Research Themes
Both independently and in collaboration with partners, the CIRAIG has created a research program based on seven research themes:
Theme 1: Developing and validating a reliable LCA method
The widespread use of LCM requires reliable and proven LCA methods. This research theme aims at pursuing the development of methods at the fundamental and applied levels by characterizing selected industrial sectors, developing reliable databases that are adapted to the Canadian context, enhancing the technical elements of LCA, and reducing the risks associated with the results.
Theme 2: Developing and validating a Canadian life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) method
Until recently, the value of LCA results for Canadian studies could be scientifically debatable since no Canadian life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) method was available until the CIRAIG developed in 2005 the LUCAS method. This research theme aims at validating this new LCIA method which will lead to the implementation of simple eco-indicators to design environmentally friendly products.
Theme 3: Developing a decision-making system based on enviro-economic performance indicators in an integrated product policy (IPP)
Integrating LCA data into corporate planning and management processes can only be done if the economic impacts of any changes brought to a product’s production or distribution are taken into account. This third research theme aims at:
- developing indicators that take into account both the environmental impacts and the internal and external costs
- introducing LCM into corporate strategic planning
- demonstrating, through case studies, the feasibility of this type of approach in the context of extended producer responsibility (EPR).
Theme 4: Studying the regulatory and legal impacts of LCM
The objective of this theme is to document and study the impacts of this new management approach on current regulations and on the development of future, more coherent and more efficient regulations (granting eco-labels, forming a basis for legislative standards, etc.) in the context of market globalization and sustainable development.
Theme 5: Studying the social impacts of LCM
The integration of social impacts is an essential prerequisite to make the life cycle approach an effective sustainable development tool. The aim of this theme is to develop a methodology which is specific to the social aspects, but which follows the same methodological logic than that used for environmental impacts.
Theme 6: Process integration
The use of LCA in the heavy industry can only occur if this approach is combined with the other approaches used in the industry. The goal of this theme is to enhance the environmental design of processes by integrating LCA within the other methods which include, among others: supply chain management, business modelling, real-time optimization, thermal pinch analysis under constraints and data reconciliation. Research conducted in this theme is specific to the pulp and paper industry.
Theme 7: Ecodesign
Ecodesign is a discipline which is directly related to the life cycle approach since it represents the logical step which follows the environmental impact assessment of a product or service. Ecodesign and life cycle assessment can be used in an iterative way in the search for alternatives (materials, processes, etc.) for a specific product. Different approaches can also be employed such as multicriteria analysis. The ecodesign research theme aims to develop tools which will enable ecological design practicians to conduct their work in a more quickly and efficiently while minimizing the environmental impacts of the designed products.