Achieving sustainability through a combination of LCA and DES integrated in a simulation software for production processes

This paper outlines the application of a special Environmental Management Information System (EMIS) that combines discrete event simulation (DES) and life cycle analysis (LCA) in addition to material flow analysis as an integrated part of the simulation software. The motivation behind the combination of these different techniques is to close the gap between identifying only parts of the life cycle, namely production processes, when simulating such processes, while at the same time focusing more sharply on LCA allowing for the resolution of results by DES and the detailed view of what is or might be happening in the production phase of the cycle. This view focuses not only on economic optimization but also on material flow analysis with a possible integration of social criteria opening the door to sustainable production in reality in the future. The paper will highlight important development phases as well as current applications of the software.