CBA
LCA
If you don't know this you are a dumb dumb - Review from midterm
Sustainablity and Ethics
Risks
100

What is the formula for calculating present value?

The formula for PV is:

P = F × (1 + i)−n

where:

P = present value

F = future cost or benefit

i = interest (discount) rate

n = number of years7

100

What does LCI stand for?

Life Cycle Inventory

100

 What are FOCs, and how are they used in the design process? (there are 3)

● Functions describe what a design must do to address the need outlined in the need statement. These are the essential actions that the design must perform to be considered a viable solution1516. Functions are typically expressed as binary requirements—either the design performs the function (YES) or it doesn't (NO)16.

● Objectives define the qualities or features of a design that you want to optimize. They describe how you want the design to perform, focusing on aspects like cost, efficiency, durability, or user-friendliness17. Objectives are typically expressed in terms of maximizing or minimizing a particular attribute (for example, maximizing strength or minimizing weight)18.

● Constraints define the limits or restrictions that the design must adhere to. These can include physical limitations, budget limitations, time constraints, safety standards, or regulatory requirements19.

100

What is the Triple Bottom Line?

people, planet, and profit

100

How can the Risk Priority Number (RPN) be calculated?

RPN = Severity x Likelihood x Detectability

200

 What types of costs and benefits are considered in a CBA? (There are 4)

● Monetary costs include direct costs such as capital expenditures, operational costs, and maintenance and replacement costs. They also include indirect costs such as overhead.5

● Monetary benefits might include increased revenue, cost savings, and tax incentives.5

● Non-monetary costs consider factors like environmental damage, health risks, and social costs.6

● Non-monetary benefits account for factors such as environmental improvements, enhanced quality of life, and social equity.6

200

 What is the purpose of LCI within the LCA framework?

LCI serves as the foundation for the subsequent impact assessment phase (LCIA) in LCA. By providing a detailed inventory of all inputs and outputs, LCI enables the quantification and assessment of potential environmental impacts associated with each stage of a product's life cycle. This information is then used to guide decisions on how to minimize the environmental footprint.23

200

What are the 17 sustainable development goals? (There are 17)

  • No poverty
  • Zero hunger
  • Good health and well-being
  • Quality education
  • Gender equality 
  • Clean water and sanitation
  • Affordable and clean energy
  • Decent work and economic growth
  • Industry, innovation, and infrastructure
  • Reduced inequality
  • Sustainable cities and communities
  • Responsible consumption and production
  • Climate action
  • Life below water
  • Life on land
  • Peace, justice, and strong institutions
  • Partnerships to achieve the goals
200

What is the IPAT equation and how can it help us understand our environmental impact?

The IPAT equation is a tool for quantifying the impact of human activity on the environment. It stands for:17

■ I: Impact (total environmental impact, such as CO₂ emissions).

■ P: Population (number of people).

■ A: Affluence (consumption per person).

■ T: Technology (environmental impact per unit of consumption).

The equation is: I = P x A x T. For example, if Country A has a population of 1 million, an affluence level of $10,000 per capita, and an emissions intensity of 2 tons of CO₂ per $10,000 of GDP, its impact would be 2 million tons of CO₂. If Country B has a population of 2 million, the same affluence level, but an emissions intensity of 1 ton of CO₂ per $10,000 of GDP, its impact would also be 2 million tons of CO₂18. This illustrates how different factors can influence a country's overall environmental footprint.

200

How can the concept of Present Value (PV) be used to assess the financial implications of future risks?

Present Value (PV) is a financial tool used to evaluate the current worth of a future cost or benefit7. This is essential for risk management because it allows engineers to assess the long-term financial implications of potential risks, considering factors like inflation and interest rates78. The formula for calculating PV is:

PV = F x (1 + i)^(-n)

300

What are the different perspectives to consider in CBA? (There are 3)


Company perspective focuses on internal financial metrics like revenue, operating costs, and tax implications.3 For example, a company might consider replacing an old production line with automation to save on labor costs and increase efficiency.3

End-user perspective considers the costs and benefits to the individual using a product or service, such as the upfront cost, operating costs, and improvements in quality of life.4 For instance, a homeowner may weigh the costs and benefits of conventional versus energy-efficient appliances.4

Societal perspective, the broadest perspective, includes factors like environmental externalities, health impacts, and long-term benefits to the community.4 An example would be the evaluation of a public transit system to reduce traffic congestion and emissions.4

300

What is a Functional Unit in LCA?

The functional unit is a crucial element in LCA that defines the basis for comparing different products or processes. It specifies a quantifiable unit of service that the product provides, ensuring a fair comparison. For example, if you are comparing the environmental impacts of different types of packaging, the functional unit might be “packaging for 1 liter of liquid” or “protecting 1 kg of product during transportation.”457 Using a clear functional unit helps avoid misleading comparisons.

300

 What are some key takeaways from Indigenous sustainability principles for modern engineering practices?


1. Balance With Nature

2. Intergenerational Thinking

3. Respect for the Land

300

What is the Social License to Operate (SLO) and why is it important?

The Social License to Operate (SLO) is the ongoing acceptance and approval of a project or operation by its stakeholders, especially the local community

300

What are some common strategies for mitigating risks in engineering projects? (There are 4)


■ Avoid

■ Mitigate

■Transfer

■ Accept

400

 What are some limitations of CBA?

■ Difficulty in Quantifying Non-Monetary Factors: Accurately assigning monetary values to intangible costs and benefits, such as environmental damage or social well-being, can be subjective and challenging.

■ Uncertainty About the Future: CBA relies on projections of future costs and benefits, which are inherently uncertain. Changes in economic conditions, technology, or societal preferences can impact the accuracy of these projections.

■ Ethical Considerations: CBA primarily focuses on economic efficiency, and it may not adequately address ethical concerns or distributional equity. It's essential to consider these factors alongside the financial analysis.

400

 How does the choice of System Boundaries affect LCA results?

System boundaries determine which stages of the life cycle are included in the assessment. The most common system boundaries are:514

● Cradle-to-Grave: Includes all stages from raw material extraction to disposal or recycling, providing a comprehensive view.

● Cradle-to-Gate: Includes only the stages from raw material extraction to the factory gate, excluding the use and disposal phases.

● Gate-to-Gate: Focuses on a specific process within the life cycle, such as the manufacturing phase.


400

How does the choice of system boundary influence LCA results?

■ Cradle-to-Grave: This encompasses the entire life cycle of a product, from raw material extraction ("cradle") to final disposal ("grave").2345

■ Cradle-to-Gate: This boundary includes all processes from raw material extraction to the factory gate, excluding the use and disposal phases.25

■ Cradle-to-Cradle: This boundary emphasizes circularity by including recycling or reuse at the end of the product's life.3467

400

 What types of liability can engineers face for their actions and decisions? (There are 3)

■Civil Liability

■Criminal Liability

■Professional Liability

400

What are the main categories of risk in engineering projects, and what are some examples of hazards within each category?

■ Design Risks: These are related to potential technical or user-centered failures1. For instance, material fatigue leading to product failure during operation is a design risk1. Another example is a bridge design failing to account for dynamic wind loads, potentially leading to collapse2.

■ Project Risks: These risks stem from challenges in meeting project deadlines, budgets, or maintaining effective team coordination3. Supply chain disruptions causing project delays are a common example of a project risk3. Budget overruns due to material shortages also fall under this category2.

■ Sustainability Risks: These risks involve potential failures to meet environmental or societal goals3. An example is a project where emissions exceed regulatory limits3. Another example is a project having a negative impact on biodiversity, potentially leading to environmental fines and a negative public image4.

500

 How does the BCR differ from Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA)?

While both BCR and CBA are used to assess project feasibility, they differ in their focus and output. CBA provides a more comprehensive assessment by calculating the net benefits (benefits minus costs) of a project, considering both monetary and non-monetary factors. The sources highlight the importance of considering non-monetary costs and benefits, such as environmental damage or improved quality of life, in project evaluation12.

500

 What are some challenges associated with conducting an LCI? (There are 3)

● Data Availability: Obtaining accurate and reliable data for all inputs and outputs can be difficult, especially for complex products with long and globalized supply chains.

● Data Quality: The quality of data can vary significantly depending on the source. Some data might be estimated, outdated, or incomplete.

● System Boundaries: Defining appropriate system boundaries for a product is essential, and decisions about what to include or exclude can impact the results.

500

What does a living wage gap of 33.33% indicate?

 A living wage gap of 33.33% indicates that the actual wage is significantly lower than the living wage, suggesting potential underpayment and financial hardship for workers1. The sources emphasize the importance of assessing the living wage gap as part of Social LCA to ensure fair and ethical labor practices.

500

How can the concept of intergenerational equity be applied to sustainable engineering design?

■ Material Selection: Prioritizing renewable or recyclable materials over finite resources. This reduces the burden on future generations and minimizes long-term environmental damage.15

■ Energy Efficiency: Designing systems that minimize energy consumption, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change impacts for future generations.16

■ Waste Management: Incorporating waste reduction and recycling strategies into designs, minimizing landfill usage and resource depletion. This ensures future generations have access to resources and a healthy environment.

500

 What is a Risk Register, and how is it used in managing project risks?

Risk Register is a tool used to systematically track and monitor identified risks, their potential impact, assigned risk level, and the progress of mitigation efforts1213. It is a dynamic document that is updated throughout the project lifecycle as new information becomes available or as risks evolve12. A typical Risk Register includes the following information for each identified risk:

■ Risk ID: A unique identifier for the risk.

■ Description: A clear and concise description of the risk.

■ Category: The risk category (Design, Project Management, Sustainability).

■ Impact: The potential impact of the risk on project objectives.

■ Likelihood: The probability of the risk occurring.

■ RPN: The calculated Risk Priority Number.

■ Mitigation Strategy: The planned actions to address the risk.

■ Status: The current status of mitigation efforts (e.g., In Progress, Planned, Completed)1213

○ The Risk Register serves as a central repository for all risk-related information, enabling project teams to effectively track, prioritize, and manage risks throughout the project lifecycle12.

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