Expertise

Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generation to meet their own needs.

Definition of sustainable development in "Our Common Future“ (Brundtland report), 1987

 

Our methodology – life cycle simulation – combines holistic and sustainable thinking (technology, economy, ecology, socio-economy) with transparent simulation tools and internationally accepted standards (environmental management-life cycle assessment – ISO 14040/44, environmental management systems – 14001, energy management systems – 50001, cleaner production – VDI 4075). So your questions can be answered in a neutral, complete, transparent, forward-looking and efficient way.

Life Cycle Simulation is a two-tiered approach, comprising analysis and application, both of which contain various interlaced levels according to the „onion skin principle“ (see picture).

 

 

All modules and levels are briefly described below. We would be happy to provide you with more details, best practise examples and published projects upon request.

 

Module 1: technical characterization

Analysis:

  • Capture of process flow
  • Capture of crucial process parameters (temperature, time, mass flow, yield, etc.)

Application:

  • Holistic technology benchmark (level 2): identification of technological strengths and weaknesses
  • Simulation models (level 3): base for parameterization of models
  • Management systems (level 4): base of systematic technological documentation

Benefits:

  • Transparency
  • Performance indicators
  • Technical evaluation of technologies

 

Module 2: energy flows

Analysis:

  • Modular capture of energy flows
  • Mapping of measured data
  • Estimation of energy consumption based on indicators

Application:

  • Eco profiles (level 1): various concepts of energy supply
  • Holistic technology benchmark (level 2): identification of energy efficiency, i.e. strengths, weaknesses and potentials
  • Simulation models (level 3): modeling of energy flows and calibration with measured data
  • Management systems (level 4): systematic capture of energy flows and transfer to continuous improvement process

Benefits:

  • Transparency
  • Energy efficiency
  • Evaluation of alternative technologies

Module 3: material flows

Analysis:

  • Modular capture of material flows
  • Mapping of measured data
  • Estimation of material consumption based on indicators

Application:

  • Eco profiles (level 1): various material concepts
  • Holistic technology benchmark (level 2): identification of material efficiency, i.e. strengths, weaknesses and potentials
  • Simulation models (level 3): modeling of material flows and calibration with measured data
  • Management systems (level 4): systematic capture of material flows and transfer to continuous improvement process

Benefits:

  • Transparency
  • Material efficiency
  • Evaluation of alternative technologies

Module 4: Life Cycle Assessment

Analysis:

  • Capture of process flows across the life cycle
  • Capture of crucial energy and material flows

Application:

  • Eco profiles (level 1): used materials and types of energy
  • Holistic technology benchmark (level 2): identification of environmental strengths, weaknesses and potentials
  • Simulation models (level 3): built-up of a life cycle model, calibration with measured data, sensitivity and scenario analysis

Benefits:

  • Transparency
  • Evaluation of alternative technologies
  • Adaptation of gained knowledge in sustainable corporate strategy (R&D, products, technologies)

Module 5: process and life cycle costs

Analysis:

  • Capture of process flows
  • Capture of cost contributors (prices, allocation keys, etc.)

Application:

  • Holistic technology benchmark (level 2): identification of economic strengths, weaknesses and potentials
  • Simulation models (level 3): built-up of a life cycle model, calibration with actual cost data, sensitivity and scenario analysis

Benefits:

  • Transparency
  • Cost contributors and optimization potentials
  • Evaluation of alternative technologies

Module 6: integration of socio-economic aspects (in cooperation with partners)

Analysis:

  • Analysis of best practise examples
  • Capture of process flows across the life cycle

Application:

  • „Socio profiles“ (level 1):used materials and types of energy
  • Holistic technology benchmark (level 2): identification of socio-economic strengths, potentials and weaknesses

Benefits:

  • Awareness, transparency
  • Adaptation of gained knowledge in CSR corporate strategy (social responsibility)