Question

The proper definition of a functional unit is a critical step in conducting a life cycle assessment. State a proper functional unit for each of the following product comparisons:(a)CFL light bulb versus LED light bulb(b)Honda Civic Sedan versus Ford F150 Pickup Truck(c)Suspension Bridge connecting Italy and Sicily versus Underwater Tunnel connecting Italy and Sicily

Answer 1

Answer:

(a) The functional unit used to compare is 20,000,000 lumen hours of light having a wavelength range of 450 nm to 600 nm

(b) 50,000 miles of use of each vehicle to convey passengers

(c) A proper functional unit is the annual safety and maintenance record estimated by the number of incidents recorded and maintenance performed per calendar year

Explanation:

The function of a product is the unambiguous  action it is meant to perform or the satisfaction it is meant to provide

Functional unit is a measure of the amount of a product function required to result in identified environmental impacts

(a) The functional unit used to compare CFL light bulb versus LED light bulb is 20,000,000 lumen hours of light having a wavelength range of 450 nm to 600 nm

The LED's lamp life span illumination is about and the wavelength is in the visible region

(b) Honda Civic Sedan versus Ford F150 Pickup

The functional unit here can be the the output input functions such as wear of the brake and tire, the amounts of emissions produced per amount of gasoline consumed multiplied by the function unit of 50,000 miles of use to convey passengers

(c)Suspension Bridge Connecting Italy and Sicily versus Underwater Tunnel connecting Italy and Sicily

A proper functional unit is the annual safety and maintenance record estimated by the number of incidents recorded and maintenance performed per calendar year.