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Obsolescence in LCA–methodological challenges and solution approaches

  • LCA COMMUNICATION AND LCA FOR ISO LABELS
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Abstract

Purpose

Obsolescence, as premature end of use, increases the overall number of products produced and consumed, and thereby can increase the environmental impact. Measures to decrease the effects of obsolescence by altering the product or service design have the potential to increase use time (defined as the realized active service life) of devices, but can themselves have (environmental) drawbacks, for example, because the amount of material required for production increases. As such, paying special attention to methodological choices when assessing such measures and strategies using life cycle assessment (LCA) needs is crucial.

Methods

Open questions and key aspects of obsolescence, including the analysis of its effects and preventative measures, are discussed against the backdrop of the principles and framework for LCA given in ISO 14040/44, which includes guidance on how to define a useful functional unit and reference flow in the context of real-life use time.

Results and discussion

The open and foundational requirements of ISO 14040/14044 already form an excellent basis for analysis of the phenomenon obsolescence and its environmental impact in product comparisons. However, any analysis presumes clear definition of the goal and scope phase with special attention paid to aspects relevant to obsolescence: the target product and user group needs to be placed into context with the analysed “anti-obsolescence” measures. The reference flow needs to reflect a realized use time (and not solely a technical lifetime when not relevant for the product under study). System boundaries and types of data need to be chosen also in context of the anti-obsolescence measure to include, for example, the production of spare parts to reflect repairable design and/or manufacturer-specific yields to reflect high-quality manufacturing.

Conclusions

Understanding the relevant obsolescence conditions for the product system under study and how these may differ across the market segment or user types is crucial for a fair and useful comparison and the evaluation of anti-obsolescence measures.

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Acknowledgements

Marina Proske is a member of the interdisciplinary researcher group “Obsolescence as a challenge for sustainability” (Obsoleszenz als Herausforderung für Nachhaltigkeit—OHA) which is being funded from July 2016 to June 2021 by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research in the context of the Research for Sustainability programme.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Technische Universität Berlin, Fakultät IV - Elektrotechnik und Informatik, Forschungsschwerpunkt Technologien der Mikroperipherik, Sekretariat TIB 4/2-1, Gustav-Meyer-Allee 25, 13355, Berlin, Germany

    Marina Proske

  2. Fraunhofer IZM, Department Environmental and Reliability Engineering, Gustav-Meyer-Allee 25, 13355, Berlin, Germany

    Marina Proske

  3. Technische Universität Berlin, Institute of Environmental Science & Technology, Sustainable Engineering, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623, Berlin, Germany

    Matthias Finkbeiner

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  1. Marina Proske
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Correspondence to Marina Proske.

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Proske, M., Finkbeiner, M. Obsolescence in LCA–methodological challenges and solution approaches. Int J Life Cycle Assess 25, 495–507 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367-019-01710-x

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