Integration of Life Cycle Assessment with computer-aided product development by a feature-based approach

Abstract This paper aims to develop approaches for the integration of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) with computer-aided product development so as to enhance the environment-friendly product design and manufacturing. A feature-based life cycle modeling approach is proposed to address life cycle representation, retrieval and integration of valuable data from current computer aided engineering tools, and formulation of relations between various product and process design factors and product environmental impact indicators for sustainability improvement analysis. Also, the framework of software integration is proposed for approach realization. The LCA case study of a welded assembly is then presented for demonstrating the proposed feature based approach and developed prototype tools.