Detectortesters - Using LCA to support strategic decision making

The process: an ISO-compliant LCA study

Blue Marble studied the product and conducted the life cycle assessment. Blue Marble assigned two consultants to work on this project, which was led by George Kelly, a Senior Sustainability Consultant:

The process followed an ISO-compliant framework:

1. Goal and Scope Definition

Blue Marble conducted a supply chain mapping exercise and prepared a bespoke questionnaire to help gather the primary data.

The study was conducted on a Cradle-to-Grave basis, so understanding and selecting an appropriate functional unit (the unit to which all the data relates) was extremely important.

2. Inventory Analysis

Detectortesters gathered the primary data with Blue Marble advising and providing project management support during the data collection phase.

Blue Marble built the LCA models in LCA software after analysing the bill of materials and through discussing the use phase scenarios with Detectortesters.

3. Impact Assessment

Blue Marble assessed the environmental impacts of the product across its full life cycle. The assessment included the carbon footprint (GWP-fossil), as well as abiotic depletion potential, water footprint and ecotoxicity indicators. As the XTR2 is an electronic product, studying these additional impact categories was important to give a full picture of environmental impacts, rather than focusing entirely on climate change (the “carbon footprint”).

Conclusion: LCA to support strategic decision making PLUS an EPD for public transparency

Blue Marble prepared a comprehensive LCA report for the product under study.

Additionally, the LCA was conducted in such a way that an Environmental Product Declaration could be prepared. Detectortesters have decided to take the TESTIFIRE XTR2 EPD forward and Blue Marble arranged for the publication of the EPD by a Program Operator. The XTR2 EPD can be found here: https://manage.epdhub.com/?epd=HUB-3239

Reflecting on the LCA and EPD production process, Aliola Balla said:

“Working with Blue-Marble and such a collaborative team was an absolute pleasure! During the initial engagement the team were very supportive in terms of defining the scope for the project and the work that would need to be put into it. Their passion for the work they do, and the strong communication skills of both Sam and George has allowed our business to quickly gain the knowledge and experience necessary for the design and manufacture of our next generation of testing equipment.”