Environmental Life Cycle Assessment on Aluminium Production Industries

Abstract

This project aims to assess the environmental impact of aluminium production processes using a life cycle assessment approach. The life cycle approach is applied to the product path from the raw material extraction to the time they are disposed or recycled. Several manufacturing processes were presented and their LCI and life cycle impact assessment are outlined and analyzed. The results of the study revealed that energy production is responsible for the highest percentage of emissions since most of the energy demanded results from non-renewable sources. In light of these findings, it was recommended that an improvement in the production technology would reduce the primary energy demand, which in turn would reduce emissions into the environment. Consequently, mitigation of the effect of the emissions on the environment would be achieved. In addition, the promotion of recycling of aluminium products would greatly assist in reducing primary energy demand and hence emissions.