Economic input/output analysis to aid life cycle assessment of electronics products

Abstract

Economic input/output (EIO) analysis is a well established modelling framework for tracing the flows of inputs and outputs throughout an economy. It can aid life cycle analysis by providing a comprehensive framework for analyzing environmental costs, thereby eliminating the ad hoc boundary assumptions required in conventional life cycle analysis. We illustrate use of the EIO method with applications to electronics manufacture, including Household Refrigerators and Freezers (SIG 3632), Computers and Office Equipment (SIG 357), and Household Audio and Video Equipment (SIG 3651). The EIO provides an estimate of all direct and indirect pollution discharges associated with manufacture of these products. Our EIO model is based upon the Department of Commerce 480/spl times/480 commodity sector data and a variety of environmental impact indices, including the toxic release inventory (TRI) and energy use.