Avaliação do ciclo de vida dos computadores e o prolongamento da vida útil como alternativa ambiental

• Ano de defesa: 2010
• Autor(a) principal: Zanetti, Mirieli A.
• Tipo de documento: Dissertação
• Tipo de acesso: Acesso aberto
• Idioma: por
• Instituição de defesa: Universidade Positivo; Brasil; Pós-Graduação; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Gestão Ambiental; UP
• Palavras-chave em Português: Computadores; Ciclo de vida; Impactos ambientais; Gerenciamento; Prolongamento da vida útil; CNPQ::CIENCIAS BIOLOGICAS; CNPQ::ENGENHARIAS::ENGENHARIA SANITARIA
• Link de acesso: https://repositorio.cruzeirodosul.edu.br/handle/123456789/2388

Technological evolution has raised an environmental concern, in particular when a product’s life cycle is considered. The environmental impact of computers is of special importance in this regard, due to their significant production and short life time. The average life time of a computer is between two and four years, with this short period caused being due to fast technological innovation and social aspects, such as market-induced needs and desires. During the full life cycle of a computer, non-renewable-resources, water, and energy are consumed. Additional impacts arise due to the disposal of toxic substances present in the product’s composition. Thus, alternatives must be sought which minimize the environmental problems, since their full elimination is almost impossible. The aim of the present work is to access a computer’s environmental impact using life cycle analysis (LCA) methodology. The LCA studies were carried out with the help of the SimaPro™ software package. A critical review of available alternatives to reduce the impact of computers is also presented. The Universidade Positivo (UP) computer management program, developed to increase the useful lifetime of computers is presented as a case study. The aim of this program is to reduce the acquisition of new equipment, and, as a consequence, avoid electronic waste generation. The LCA indicates that significant environmental impacts are generated during the use of a computer, due to the electricity demand. The UP computer management program is an alternative to reduce the impacts on the production and disposal phase. The results indicate that it is possible to increase the equipment lifetime, ensuring the adequate equipment performance, according with the specific needs. As consequence, the computer average time was extended to 6 year, the new equipments acquisition represents only 50% of the total number in the period evaluated (2005 – 2009) and 28 t. of electronic waste were avoided. At the end of cycle, computer and related equipments are donated for social institutions or sell to the employers at symbolic price. In addition to reduce environmental impacts and exploitation of resources, economic and social benefits are achieved.