Sources of Variation in Life Cycle Assessment of Smartphones and Tablet Computers

Abstract

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies and reports of smartphones and tablet computers
are analysed to detect the sources of variation across their results, considering
the impact on global warming potential over 100 years (GWP100). The production and
use phases are undoubtedly the most contributing life cycle phases. The existing life
cycle inventories (LCI) were analysed to determine the most significant components and
a normalization of the use phases was performed. The results highlight the prevalence
of the production phase. The integrated circuits play a major role and the estimation of
their impact should be thoroughly scrutinized. Finally, the location of the production
plants is crucial as the generation of electricity accounts for a significant part of the
global warming potential. Assumed electricity mixes explain much of the variations in
both production and use phases.

Date of Award	22 Jun 2018
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Namur
Supervisor	Michael Petit (Supervisor) & PIERRE-ANTOINE RAPPE (Co-Supervisor)