This research examines the environmental parameters associated with the production and delivery of building materials in the U.K. in 1991. Using primary data supplied from commercial sources, an eco-profile is produced for each material by calculating the gross inputs of energy and raw materials and gross outputs of solid waste, air and water emissions. The production sequences are traced from raw materials in the ground through to the final product and extend to include transport operations and the production and delivery of fuels and ancillary materials. The results are used to complete eco-profiles for the construction of a three bedroom bungalow house and a four bedroom two storey detached house. It is shown that per square metre of floor space, the construction of the two storey detached house produces considerable reductions in the burdens on the enviromnent. Eco-profiles are used to compare the environmental burdens associated with alternative building materials. The effect of alternative building materials on the eco-profiles of house construction is discussed. It is shown that significant reductions in the gross inputs and outputs maybe made by substituting dense concrete blocks for clay bricks.

World regions are becoming more connected by every day and as a consequence of that dependence rises among states. The states become specialised in production of certain type of the product, services etc. Subsequently they turn to be even more dependent. One does not need to go further back then real-estate crisis in USA that spilled over worldwide. The world is turn out to be "smaller place". America and Europe are exploiting raw material less and less and become dependant on the import of those from around the world. Former exploitation and production became ballast to the environment [environment burdens]. One day factories and mines were closed or reorganised to different production activity and doing so reduced burden to the environment. The consumption of the product remained or was increased even more. In other words, some one else is producing that product. The production shifted among states moving the environment burdens with it. The aim of this document is to provide an overview of impacts relevant to the use of metals zinc, aluminium, nickel, iron and tin; quantification of physical import and export and calculation of international trade balance of before mentioned metals and analysis of six ores. Those aims are supposed to assist us on answering questions to which extent Czech...

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International LCA literature indicates that little data is available pertaining to potable water production and supply, in particular with respect to the environmental burdens generated within the system. This study aims to investigate and assess the environmental burdens associated with the potable water supply to an industrial area (Rosslyn, north of Pretoria, in the Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality). The procedure, as well as the assessment of the environmental impacts of a life cycle, is dependent on a comprehensive life cycle inventory (LCI) of the evaluated system. Water use is included in LCIs, which are incorporated into the LCIA procedure, as it reflects a direct extraction from available resources. The water supply system diagram has been developed and data was collected, treated and analysed in the inventory analysis phase. The study closely followed the four phases as stipulated in the International Organization for Standardization (ISO 14040 series of standards) for conducting LCAs, including: -- goal and scope definition; -- LCI analysis; -- LCIA; and -- interpretation, conclusions and recommendations. The methodology used in the impact assessment phase was the introduced LCIA framework for South Africa in order to determine the extent of different environmental impacts. The inventory analysis, conforming to the scope of the study, provided an overall inventory of energy and other resource requirements, emissions to water and air, dust fallouts and solid or liquid wastes for the system under study. By using this methodology and by tracing all unit processes involved in the potable water supply system, the main contribution to the environmental burdens imposed on the potable water supply system was found to be the extraction of the required water from nature to supply potable water to Rosslyn. The toxicity potential impacts on water resources, mainly due to the electricity required for the water supply system, are of minor importance. This conclusion is valid for the system investigated, and as a result, the recommendations for environmental improvements should focus on water losses that must be addressed foremost. What is required at this stage is strategic planning regarding the extraction, use and conservation of water resources. Furthermore, to optimise all processes of water extraction, and to make them more efficient, electricity and other energy inputs are also of importance, albeit to a lesser extent. / Dissertation (M (Applied Sciences : Environmental Technology))--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Chemical Engineering / unrestricted