LCA simplified tools for SMEs. Comparison between the software VerdEE and the software eVerdEE through the case study of a brick works.

Ceramics productive process LCA results point out that environmental impact is originated principally by raw materials extraction processes (feldspar, sand and clay for the mixture) and by fossil fuels combustion processes, for electricity and thermal energy production, which is necessary in particular in grinding, atomization, treating in furnace and distribution processes. Moreover, resources consumption is very significant because it represents a limitation for future age group; instead waste production is less significant since rejects (raw tile and bricks) are recycled in the productive process and so their land-filling is avoided. The choice adopted by the enterprise for environmental significant aspect criteria definition, highlights that environmental significant aspects are coherent with LCA results, for what concern raw materials consumption, auxiliary materials consumption, resources consumption (water, electricity, natural gas), packaging materials consumption, airborne emissions, waste, transport, still health and safety aspects in work environment and sewer impact on soil and subsoil are not explicitly considered in LCA. Data collected quality is good enough, although this is a screening LCA study, so if the system boundaries are extended and if the data collection is more accurate, it can be achievable to find most accurate and significant results: in this case, moreover, it can be possible to individuate the aspects for which is possible an environmental improvement, and to help plant management decision for the EMS, particularly for environmental aspect criteria new definition and for the improving annual program.