Life cycle assessment of third generation (3G) wireless telecommunication systems at Ericsson

Ericsson is currently performing a life cycle assessment on its third generation wireless telecommunication systems. The methodology applied uses ISO 14040-series as a framework, but due to the complexity of the studied systems, it has been necessary to consider a number of methodological matters. A hierarchical model has been used to model the systems, and a special view on sites has been applied. Preliminary findings about the different life stages of the system are presented, and the importance of including nonproduction activities like research and development in LCA studies of telecommunication systems is discussed. The functional unit of a telecommunication system is also discussed, along with some major difficulties and uncertainties in the study.