Towards a Carbon Neutral Economy, Results from a Life Cycle Integrated Management Analysis on the Forest Products System, 2001 Environmental Conference Proceedings

Sergio F. Galeano--The author presents a real example of a Life Cycle Integrated Management (LCIM) analysis using Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) as a helping tool. LCIM permits the setting of different corporate strategic objectives and consequent planning. The premise is advanced that the anthropogenic-created imbalance between absorbed sunlight and reflected IR radiation to which the climate change phenomena is linked, is a result of unbalance in consumption.

Using Life Cycle Integrated Management techniques, the author uses an assessment conducted in an integrated forest products corporation, as an example. An LCIA study was used as the analytical mechanism, specially focused on carbon-equivalent units. LCIA provides structure and context to the analysis and makes the results more communicable and credible.

The author makes the argument that sustainable development for all inhabitants of the world cannot be predicated in terms of deprivation either by reducing standards of living or by impeding improvements of those now more deprived. In the same manner that consumption helped to get us where we are now, consumption has the potential to help lead us into the future. Central to the argument is the proposition that we need to move in the direction of a carbon neutral economy. Rather than seeking minimum levels of carbon-consuming economies (always desirable for eco-efficiency), efforts should also be made to balance the existing disproportion between fossil-C and renewable bio-C.

The author explains the results of the LCIM and alternatives strategies for companies as a tool to aid in the development of policy.