Fuzzy Life Cycle Evaluation : A Tool to Interpret Qualitative Information in Streamlined LCA

This paper presents preliminary research on a new simplified tool for life cycle environmental evaluation using linguistic interpretation through the use of fuzzy logic: the fuzzy Life Cycle evaluation (FuzLCe) tool. This new tool is compared to full-scale LCA and a streamlined LCA (environmentally responsible product assessment, ERPA) using a site remediation case study. The use of fuzzy logic to process qualitative information provided by an expert by means of a simple questionnaire allowed the elimination of a possible bias introduced by ERPA-analysts and the incorporation of environmental impact notions. The full-scale LCA and the FuzLCe conclusions were similar. ERPA results were contradictory.