LCA LCCA benchmarking datasets

These datasets include the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Costing Assessment (LCCA) results produced for the two use cases, in the automotive and construction sectors, as part of the PIONEER project. The datasets facilitate economic and sustainability comparisons between the project’s advanced manufacturing technology and traditional manufacturing techniques. The datasets for Use Case 1, which is related to the construction sector, include evaluations of conventional steel I-beams, hybrid beams made under AS-IS and TO-BE scenarios, conventional and Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM)-based joints. For Use Case 2, the datasets cover full life cycle assessments of aluminium and composite upper control arms (UCAs), which are related to the automotive industry. These assessments include baseline, AS-IS, and TO-BE production scenarios, as well as alternative material configurations that incorporate recycled and biobased carbon fibers. AS-IS and TO-BE scenarios compare the manufacture of corresponding products before (AS-IS) and after (TO-BE) implementation of the PIONEER digital solutions to the Pilot Lines.

For LCA, the results are reported as calculated using the Environmental Footprint 3.1 impact assessment method, developed by the European Commission. It evaluates potential impacts using 16 impact categories, each representing a specific environmental concern such as Climate Change, Resource Depletion, Water Use, and Human Toxicity. These categories are calculated by converting inventory data (e.g., emissions, resource consumption) into environmental impact scores (e.g., kg CO2 equivalents of Climate Change potential), through scientifically established characterization models. The results provide a comprehensive view of how a product or process affects ecosystems, human health, and resource availability, enabling informed decisions for sustainability improvements, along its entire lifecycle (from raw materials to the end-of-life of products).

LCCA evaluates the total economic impact of a product or process across its entire life cycle, from design and production to use and end-of-life. Results here are expressed as total cost for the different products, categorized as capital expenditure (CAPEX), operational expenditure (OPEX), and other cost components such as maintenance and disposal.