Matrix-type and pattern-based simple LCA for eco-innovative design of products

This paper develops two types of simplified life cycle assessment methods for LCA evaluation during the innovative design stage. The first method is qualitative LCA using a matrix approach. This method uses a pre-defined scoring list combined with a streamlined LCA and matrix approach, to provide innovative design engineers an environmental impact evaluating tool when they publish their idea of innovative product designs. Another method is a pattern-based qualitative LCA approach. It uses the results of previous product LCA to categorize six different environmental impact maps based on different product characteristics. Furthermore, a weighting method is used to obtain a qualitative LCA result of innovative products by combination of associated environmental impact maps. Innovative design engineers can use these results to evaluate their new ideas of innovative products during the innovative design stage.