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Life cycle assessment of different types of graveyard candles
Published on 16 February 2021
Slovenia
Vzhodna Slovenija
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About this good practice
In this example of good practice, LCA has been applied for the analysis of the whole life cycle of different graveyard candles in order to assess its environmental impact. To carry out this study, it has been developed a model for the analysis of each one of the candles life cycle, from its production based on raw materials to its final disposal as solid waste.
Gabi software databases have been adopted for the simulation of the required operations, taking into account the necessary interconnections among the processes involved.
The analysis of the model results indicates that the main group of emissions of graveyard candles life cycle are air emissions with almost 75 % of the total amount. The most significant compounds emitted to the atmosphere during candle’s life are carbon dioxide, followed by sulphur compounds: sulphur hexafluoride and sulphur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides. Nevertheless, if the total emissions are calculated for burning hour it is possible to conclude that electronic candles have the most optimal ratio of emissions per hour.
The comparison of LC Impact parameters determined that the environmental burden associated with each candle life cycle is mainly due to the depletion of abiotic resources (ADP), followed by the emission of greenhouse gases (global warming potential GWP 100 years) and eutrophying emissions (eutrophication potential EP). Electronic candles are situated in the last place in number of emissions per burning hour in all categories.
Gabi software databases have been adopted for the simulation of the required operations, taking into account the necessary interconnections among the processes involved.
The analysis of the model results indicates that the main group of emissions of graveyard candles life cycle are air emissions with almost 75 % of the total amount. The most significant compounds emitted to the atmosphere during candle’s life are carbon dioxide, followed by sulphur compounds: sulphur hexafluoride and sulphur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides. Nevertheless, if the total emissions are calculated for burning hour it is possible to conclude that electronic candles have the most optimal ratio of emissions per hour.
The comparison of LC Impact parameters determined that the environmental burden associated with each candle life cycle is mainly due to the depletion of abiotic resources (ADP), followed by the emission of greenhouse gases (global warming potential GWP 100 years) and eutrophying emissions (eutrophication potential EP). Electronic candles are situated in the last place in number of emissions per burning hour in all categories.
Resources needed
Gabi software databases
Gabi software is one of the worldwide leading tools for LCA and life cycle engineering. This is a professional, user-friendly and high-performance tool, which supports the user in modelling, management and assessment of life cycle data on the process and product.
Gabi software is one of the worldwide leading tools for LCA and life cycle engineering. This is a professional, user-friendly and high-performance tool, which supports the user in modelling, management and assessment of life cycle data on the process and product.
Evidence of success
The results suggest that electronic candles are the best environmentally friendly option whereas traditional graveyard candles have a larger environmental burden. The study demonstrates that PVC body candles have the highest environmental impact followed by PP candles that are wrongly sold as an ecological alternative to PVC. However, the results of this study encouraged cemetery managers in Slovenia to successfully introduce separate collection of waste candles.
Potential for learning or transfer
Slovenia is on top of EU countries regarding graveyard candle consumption only comparable with other countries like Croatia, Portugal and Poland. The annual graveyard candle consumption is between 8000 and 10000 tons, which results in approx. 4000 tons of waste.
This GP demonstrates a good example how the principles of LCA methodologies can be implemented in practice regarding an impact of waste management on the environment. Therefore, by following the outcome of this research the public authorities could more strongly encourage citizens of requesting from them to preferentially use environmentally friendly electronic candles, which would in turn minimize the environmental burden. To conclude, the results of this practice encouraged cemetery managers in Slovenia to successfully introduce separate collection of waste candles.
This GP demonstrates a good example how the principles of LCA methodologies can be implemented in practice regarding an impact of waste management on the environment. Therefore, by following the outcome of this research the public authorities could more strongly encourage citizens of requesting from them to preferentially use environmentally friendly electronic candles, which would in turn minimize the environmental burden. To conclude, the results of this practice encouraged cemetery managers in Slovenia to successfully introduce separate collection of waste candles.
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Slovenia
Zahodna Slovenija
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