ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCT DECLARATION ALUMINUM …...Kawneer products are comprised of extrusions made...
Transcript of ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCT DECLARATION ALUMINUM …...Kawneer products are comprised of extrusions made...
ENVIRONMENTAL PRODUCT DECLARATION
ALUMINUM EXTRUSIONS ANODIZED, PAINTED AND MILL-FINISH
Kawneer products are comprised of extrusions made from one of the earth's most plentiful recyclables — aluminum. Durable and lasting the extruded products also boast aesthetically appealing design features that can help contribute to energy efficiency and long term sustainability
Kawneer Company, Inc., part of
Arconic's global Building and
Construction Systems (BCS) business,
has provided the commercial
construction industry with best-in-class
architectural aluminum products and
service for more than 100 years. Its
extensive range of solutions — from
curtain walls and windows, to
entrances and framing systems — help
build infinite possibilities for thermal
performance, hurricane resistance,
blast mitigation and sun control.
Kawneer’s commitment to social and
environmental responsibility is rooted in
high performing, sustainable solutions
that extend beyond energy efficiency to
elements like daylighting, acoustical
efficiency, recyclability, occupant
security and occupant comfort. In fact,
sustainability is at the heart of
Kawneer’s product line, which is
comprised of one of the earth's most
plentiful recyclables — aluminum.
Kawneer offers architects a new way to
look at the building façade, placing
endless design and sustainability
options at their fingertips.
For more information visit www.kawneer.com
©2017 UL LLC. All Rights Reserved
Page 2 of 13
Anodized, Painted and Mill-Finish Aluminum Extrusions
Products of Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys According to ISO 14025 and ISO 21930:2007
This declaration is an environmental product declaration (EPD) in accordance with ISO 14025. EPDs rely
on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to provide information on a number of environmental impacts of products
over their life cycle. Exclusions: EPDs do not indicate that any environmental or social performance
benchmarks are met, and there may be impacts that they do not encompass. LCAs do not typically address
the site-specific environmental impacts of raw material extraction, nor are they meant to assess human health
toxicity. EPDs can complement but cannot replace tools and certifications that are designed to address these impacts
and/or set performance thresholds – e.g. Type 1 certifications, health assessments and declarations, environmental
impact assessments, etc. Accuracy of Results: EPDs regularly rely on estimations of impacts, and the level of accuracy
in estimation of effect differs for any particular product line and reported impact. Comparability: EPDs are not
comparative assertions and are either not comparable or have limited comparability when they cover different life cycle
stages, are based on different product category rules or are missing relevant environmental impacts. EPDs from different
programs may not be comparable.
PROGRAM OPERATOR UL Environment DECLARATION HOLDER Kawneer North America DECLARATION NUMBER 47868332121.106.1
DECLARED PRODUCT Anodized, Painted and Mill-Finished Aluminum Extrusions REFERENCE PCR Part A: Calculation Rules for the LCA and Requirements Project Report, (IBU/UL
Environment, V1.3, 06.19.2014) and Part B Addendum: IBU PCR for Products of aluminum and aluminum alloys (UL Environment, V1.0 Oct. 2015). Berlin: Institut Bauen & Umwelt.
DATE OF ISSUE November 16, 2015 PERIOD OF VALIDITY 5 Years
CONTENTS OF THE DECLARATION
Product definition and information about building physics Information about basic material and the material’s origin Description of the product’s manufacture Indication of product processing Information about the in-use conditions Life cycle assessment results Testing results and verifications
The PCR review was conducted by: IBU The Independent Expert Committee
This declaration was independently verified in accordance with ISO 14025 by Underwriters Laboratories
☐ INTERNAL ☒ EXTERNALWade Stout, UL Environment
This life cycle assessment was independently verified in accordance with ISO 14044 and the reference PCR by:
Thomas Gloria, Industrial Ecology Consultants
©2017 UL LLC. All Rights Reserved
This EPD conforms with ISO 21930:2007
Page 3 of 13
Anodized, Painted and Mill-Finish Aluminum Extrusions
Products of Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys According to ISO 14025
Product
Product Description
This EPD covers the production of extruded aluminum with the following finishing options: anodizing, painted and mill-finish. The results for each product type are calculated for the production-weighted average from all Kawneer production sites in North America.
Range of Applications
Kawneer extruded aluminum is used in a variety of commercial building and construction applications, including: high rise curtain wall, commercial and architectural windows, storefront framing systems, sun control and shading devices, entrances/doors, skylights, interior framing and impact resistance.
Technical Data
Technical data for the studied product can be found in the table below.
Name Value Unit
Density 2700 kg/m3
Melting point 616-654 °C
Electrical conductivity at 20°C 31.25 m/Ωmm2
Thermal conductivity 200 W/(mK)
Coefficient of thermal expansion 24 10-6K-1
Modulus of elasticity 68.9 x 103 N/mm2
Shear modulus 25.8 x 103 N/mm2
Specific heat capacity 0.90 kJ/kgK
Hardness 73 HB
Yield strength 214 N/mm2
Ultimate tensile strength 241 N/mm2
Breaking elongation 12 %
Chemical composition Aluminum - 97.5 Alloy – 2.5
% by mass
Industry Standards
ASTM B221 – Standard Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Extruded Bars, Rods, Wire, Profiles, and Tubes. This specification includes guidelines regarding chemical compositions, manufacturing practices, mechanical properties and end product testing procedures.
ASTM B807/B807M - Standard Practice for Extrusion Press Solution Heat Treatment for Aluminum Alloys. This
specification establishes the controls required for extrusion press solution heat treatment of the 6xxx and 7xxx series aluminum alloys.
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Page 4 of 13
Anodized, Painted and Mill-Finish Aluminum Extrusions
Products of Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys According to ISO 14025
AAMA 611 - Voluntary Specification for Anodized Architectural Aluminum. This specification describes test procedures and requirements for architectural quality aluminum oxide coatings applied to aluminum extrusions and panels for architectural products.
AAMA 2604 - Voluntary Specification, Performance Requirements and Test Procedures for High Performance
Pigmented Organic Coatings on Aluminum Extrusions and Panels. This specification covers high performance organic coatings which are used on products produced by the Kawneer Company and other manufacturers of high quality products.
AAMA 2605 - Voluntary Specification, Performance Requirements and Test Procedures for Superior Performing
Pigmented Organic Coatings on Aluminum Extrusions and Panels. This specification covers superior organic coatings which are used on products produced by the Kawneer Company and other manufactures of high quality products.
Delivery Status
Extrusions vary in size and thickness depending on the part and application.
Base and Ancillary Materials
Aluminum alloys (>98% by mass; average of 50% recycled content): aluminum alloy 6xxx series
Pre-treatment chemicals (<0.5% by mass)
Anodizing (<0.01% by mass)
Paint (<2.0% by mass): kynar, acrylic polymer and fluoropolymer resins available
Manufacturing
The Kawneer aluminum extrusions covered by this EPD are produced in four US plants (Bloomsburg, PA; Cranberry, PA; Springdale, AR; Visalia, CA) and one Canadian plant (Lethbridge, AB).
The manufacturing process comprises the following production stages:
Extrusion: Aluminum billet (rods approximately 24 feet in length and 8-9 inch in diameter) are heated and pressed through various die shapes to create an aluminum extrusion.
Surface treatment (unless mill-finished):
o Pre-treatment: The aluminum extrusions are cleaned in preparation for finishing.
o Anodizing: Cleaned extrusions are placed in chemicals baths with an electric current to etch and colorthe surface, then the extrusions are sealed to harden the surface.
o Painting: Primer is added to the cleaned extrusions, then they are sprayed with a color coating andbaked to set the color. Painted coatings can either be liquid or powder based.
Product Processing/Installation
Installation is outside of the scope of this EPD.
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Page 5 of 13
Anodized, Painted and Mill-Finish Aluminum Extrusions
Products of Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys
According to ISO 14025
Packaging
Our aluminum extrustions are custom packaged in bundles with plastic wrap. In each bundle the extrusions are separated by foam and/or paper. They are then packed in custom cardboard boxes with plastic or steel strapping prior to shipping. Once delivered packaging can be recycled if facilities are available in the area.
Extraordinary Effects
Fire: Aluminum products comply with all local and federal laws with respect to fire hazards and control.
Water: There is no evidence to suggest water runoff or exposure under normal and intended operation will violate general water quality standards.
Mechanical desctruction: Not relevant for aluminum extrusions.
Recycling and Disposal
Aluminum extrusions are a highly efficient sustainable building material. Aluminum is 100% recycleable and can be recycled repeatedly. Recycled aluminum is identical to smelted aluminum but requires only 1/20 of the energy to manufacture. In building and construction aluminum scrap has a recycling rate of 95% [AA]. The remaining 5% is sent to landfill.
Environment and Health
Product manufacturing: Plant emissions to air/soil/water are monitored (if applicable) and comply with local laws.
Product use: Kawneer products are not expected to create exposure conditions that exceed safe thresholds for health
impacts to humans or flora/fauna under normal operating conditions.
Life Cycle Assessment – Product System and Modeling
A “cradle-to-gate” analysis using life cycle assessment (LCA) techniques was conducted for this EPD. The analysis was done according to the product category rule (PCR) for Products of Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys and followed LCA principles, requirements and guidelines laid out in the ISO 14040/14044 and EN 15804 standards. As such, EPDs of aluminum products may not be comparable if they do not comply with the same PCR. While the intent of the PCR is to increase comparability, there may still be differences among EPDs that comply with the same PCR (e.g., due to differences in system boundaries, background data, etc.).
Declared Unit
The declared unit is 1 kg of aluminum extrusion as produced at the factory.
System Boundary
Per the PCR, this cradle-to-gate analysis provides information on the Product Stage of the aluminum product life cycle, including modules A1–A3:
A1 The provision of resources, additives and energy
A2 Transport of resources and additives to the production site
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Anodized, Painted and Mill-Finish Aluminum Extrusions
Products of Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys
According to ISO 14025
A3 Production process on site, including energy, production of additives, disposal of production residues,
consideration of related emissions and recycling of production scrap (“closed loop”)
C4 Disposal at the end of the life cycle, i.e., during building deconstruction
D Net benefits resulting from reuse, recycling and energy recovery that take place beyond the system
boundary.
DESCRIPTION OF THE SYSTEM BOUNDARY (X = INCLUDED IN LCA; MND = MODULE NOT DECLARED)
PRODUCT STAGE CONSTRUCTION
PROCESS STAGE
USE STAGE END OF LIFE STAGE
BENEFITS AND LOADS
BEYOND THE SYSTEM
BOUNDARIES
Raw
ma
teria
l
su
pply
Tra
nsp
ort
Ma
nufa
ctu
ring
Tra
nsp
ort
Con
str
uctio
n-
insta
llation
pro
cess
Use
Ma
inte
nan
ce
Rep
air
Rep
lace
me
nt1
Refu
rbis
hm
en
t1
Op
era
tion
al
en
erg
y u
se
Op
era
tion
al
wate
r use
De
-co
nstr
uction
de
molit
ion
Tra
nsp
ort
Wa
ste
pro
cessin
g
Dis
posa
l
Reu
se
-
Reco
ve
ry-
Recyclin
g-
po
ten
tia
l
A1 A2 A3 A4 A5 B1 B2 B3 B4 B5 B6 B7 C1 C2 C3 C4 D
X X X MND MND MND MND MND MND MND MND MND MND MND MND X X
Time coverage: Primary data were collected on production within calendar year 2014. Background data for upstream and downstream processes (i.e., raw materials, energy resources, transportation and ancillary materials) were obtained from the GaBi 2014 databases.
Technology coverage: Data were collected for the production of anodized, painted and mill-finish aluminum extrusions at Kawneer’s facilities in the United States and Canada.
Geographical coverage: Kawneer manufactures aluminum extrusion products at four US facilities and one Canadian facility. As such, the geographical coverage for this study is based on North American system boundaries for all processes and products. Whenever US/Canadian background data were not readily available, European data or global data were used as proxies.
Assumptions
The manufacturing process and end product is essentially the same in all manufacturing sites. A1-A3 impacts and inventories for each product – mill finished extrusions, painted extrusions, and anodized extrusions – are calculated with a mass-based production-weighted average of each manufacturer’s impacts and inventories.
No significant assumptions have been made beyond the aforementioned. All of the raw materials and energy inputs have been modeled using processes and flows that closely follow actual production raw materials and processes. All of the material and energy flows have been accounted.
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Page 7 of 13
Anodized, Painted and Mill-Finish Aluminum Extrusions
Products of Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys
According to ISO 14025
Cut-off Criteria
As required by EN 15804, in case of insufficient input data or data gaps for a unit process, the cut-off criteria were 1% of renewable and non-renewable primary energy usage and 1% of the total mass input of that unit process. The total of neglected input flows per module was a maximum of 5% of energy usage and mass.
In practice, all inputs and outputs, for which data are available, have been included in the calculation. Data gaps have been filled by conservative assumptions with average or generic data.
Background Data
In order to model the life cycle for the production and recycling of the extruded aluminum, the GaBi Professional software system developed by thinkstep AG was used. All relevant background data necessary for the production of extruded aluminum were taken from the GaBi 2014 databases.
Data Quality
Inventory data quality is judged by its precision (measured, calculated or estimated), completeness (e.g., unreported emissions), consistency (degree of uniformity of the methodology applied on a study serving as a data source) and representativeness (geographical, temporal, and technological).
To cover these requirements and to ensure reliable results, first-hand industry data were used in combination with consistent background LCA information from the GaBi LCI database. The data for aluminum billet, as well as externally sourced aluminum extrusions, are based on 2010 Aluminum Association studies and are the best available. Other LCI datasets were sourced from the GaBi LCA databases and are representative of years 2010-2013.
LCI datasets from the GaBi LCI database are widely distributed and used with the GaBi Professional Software. The datasets have been used in LCA models worldwide in industrial and scientific applications in internal as well as in many critically reviewed and published studies. In the process of providing these datasets they are cross-checked with other databases and values from industry and science.
Allocation
The recycling potential was calculated according to the requirement of the German Institute Construction and Environment (IBU) e.V. PCR document “Construction Metals”. The methodology quantifies the environmental burden avoided in relation to production of the virgin material (here, the avoidance of primary aluminum production). An estimated 100% of aluminum extrusions are recycled at the end of life. However, at this point 95% represents a defensible recycling rate for aluminum extrusion products in the building and transportation sector, so this rate was used and it was assumed that the remaing 5% goes to landfill. No co-prouducts are generated from the production process.
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Page 8 of 13
Anodized, Painted and Mill-Finish Aluminum Extrusions
Products of Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys
According to ISO 14025
Life Cycle Assessment – Results
Extruded Aluminum (mill finish)
Results given per one kilogram of product.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS CML 2001 (Apr 2013) Manufacturing End-of-Life Credits
Parameter Unit A1-A3 C4 D
GWP kg CO2 eq 5.90E+00 2.26E-03 -2.30E-01
ODP kg CFC-11 eq 5.19E-09 5.11E-14 3.84E-10
AP kg SO2 eq 3.21E-02 9.89E-06 -1.59E-03
EP kg PO43 eq 1.41E-03 1.25E-06 -6.53E-05
POCP kg C2H4 eq 1.91E-03 9.93E-07 -8.46E-05
ADPE kg Sb eq 3.18E-06 8.76E-10 -2.42E-07
ADPF MJ 7.07E+01 3.47E-02 -2.14E+00
TRACI 2.1 Manufacturing End-of-Life Credits
Parameter Unit A1-A3 C4 D
GWP kg CO2 eq 5.90E+00 2.26E-03 -2.30E-01
ODP kg CFC-11 eq 6.23E-09 5.43E-14 4.19E-10
AP kg SO2 eq 2.95E-02 1.06E-05 -1.46E-03
EP kg N eq 7.93E-04 5.81E-07 -2.32E-05
SP kg O3 eq 2.21E-01 2.07E-04 -1.14E-02
FF MJ 5.73E+00 4.47E-03 -1.31E-01
RESOURCE USE Manufacturing End-of-Life Credits
Parameter Unit A1-A3 C4 D
PERE [MJ] 1.22E+01 1.94E-03 -1.28E+00
PERM [MJ] - 4.97E-01 -
PERT [MJ] 1.22E+01 4.99E-01 -1.28E+00
PENRE [MJ] 7.53E+01 3.57E-02 -2.17E+00
PENRM [MJ] - - -
PENRT [MJ] 7.53E+01 3.57E-02 -2.17E+00
SM [kg] 1.52E+00 - -
RSF [MJ] - - -
NRSF [MJ] - - -
FW [m³] 5.02E-02 -3.30E-05 -5.62E-03
OUTPUT FLOWS AND WASTE CATEGORIES Manufacturing End-of-Life Credits
Parameter Unit A1-A3 C4 D
HWD [kg] 1.25E-03 6.88E-09 -2.06E-05
NHWD [kg] 7.62E-01 5.01E-02 -6.95E-02
RWD [kg] 2.68E-03 4.45E-06 2.46E-09
CRU [kg] - - -
MFR [kg] - - 9.50E-01
MER [kg] - - -
EEE [MJ] - - -
EET [MJ] - - -
Glossary Environmental Impacts
GWP Global warming potential
ODP Depletion potential of the stratospheric ozone layer
AP Acidification potential of land and water
EP Eutrophication potential
POCP Formation potential of tropospheric ozone photochemical oxidants
ADPE Abiotic depletion potential for non fossil resources
ADPF Abiotic depletion potential for fossil resources
FF Fossil fuel consumption
Resource Use
PERE Use of renewable primary energy excluding renewable primary energy resources used as raw materials; PERM = Use of renewable primary energy resources used as raw materials
PERT Total use of renewable primary energy resources
PENRE Use of non renewable primary energy excluding non renewable primary energy resources used as raw materials
PENRM Use of non renewable primary energy resources used as raw materials
PENRT Total use of non renewable primary energy resources
SM Use of secondary material
RSF Use of renewable secondary fuels
NRSF Use of non renewable secondary fuels
FW Use of net fresh water
Output Flows and Waste Categories
HWD Hazardous waste disposed
NHWD Non hazardous waste disposed
RWD Radioactive waste disposed
CRU Components for re-use
MFR Materials for recycling
MER Materials for energy recovery
EE Exported energy per energy carrier
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Page 9 of 13
Anodized, Painted and Mill-Finish Aluminum Extrusions
Products of Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys
According to ISO 14025
Extruded Aluminum (painted finish)
Results given per one kilogram of product.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS CML 2001 (Apr 2013) Manufacturing End-of-Life Credits
Parameter Unit A1-A3 C4 D
GWP kg CO2 eq 1.10E+01 2.26E-03 2.67E-01
ODP kg CFC-11 eq 5.76E-09 5.11E-14 3.87E-10
AP kg SO2 eq 4.11E-02 9.89E-06 1.85E-03
EP kg PO43 eq 2.23E-03 1.25E-06 7.62E-05
POCP kg C2H4 eq 1.25E-02 9.93E-07 9.77E-05
ADPE kg Sb eq 5.21E-06 8.76E-10 2.63E-07
ADPF MJ 1.32E+02 3.47E-02 2.47E+00
TRACI 2.1 Manufacturing End-of-Life Credits
Parameter Unit A1-A3 C4 D
GWP kg CO2 eq 1.10E+01 2.26E-03 2.67E-01
ODP kg CFC-11 eq 6.88E-09 5.43E-14 4.22E-10
AP kg SO2 eq 3.85E-02 1.06E-05 1.70E-03
EP kg N eq 1.29E-03 5.81E-07 2.71E-05
SP kg O3 eq 4.20E-01 2.07E-04 1.32E-02
FF MJ 1.34E+01 4.47E-03 1.53E-01
RESOURCE USE Manufacturing End-of-Life Credits
Parameter Unit A1-A3 C4 D
PERE [MJ] 1.61E+01 1.94E-03 1.50E+00
PERM [MJ] - 4.97E-01 -
PERT [MJ] 1.61E+01 4.99E-01 1.50E+00
PENRE [MJ] 1.41E+02 3.57E-02 2.52E+00
PENRM [MJ] - - -
PENRT [MJ] 1.41E+02 3.57E-02 2.52E+00
SM [kg] 1.55E+00 - -
RSF [MJ] - - -
NRSF [MJ] - - -
FW [m³] 6.55E-02 3.30E-05 6.57E-03
OUTPUT FLOWS AND WASTE CATEGORIES Manufacturing End-of-Life Credits
Parameter Unit A1-A3 C4 D
HWD [kg] 1.31E-03 6.88E-09 2.41E-05
NHWD [kg] 9.15E-01 5.01E-02 8.11E-02
RWD [kg] 2.80E-03 5.17E-05 2.46E-09
CRU [kg] - - -
MFR [kg] - - 9.50E-01
MER [kg] - - -
EEE [MJ] - - -
EET [MJ] - - -
Glossary Environmental Impacts
GWP Global warming potential
ODP Depletion potential of the stratospheric ozone layer
AP Acidification potential of land and water
EP Eutrophication potential
POCP Formation potential of tropospheric ozone photochemical oxidants
ADPE Abiotic depletion potential for non fossil resources
ADPF Abiotic depletion potential for fossil resources
FF Fossil fuel consumption
Resource Use
PERE Use of renewable primary energy excluding renewable primary energy resources used as raw materials; PERM = Use of renewable primary energy resources used as raw materials
PERT Total use of renewable primary energy resources
PENRE Use of non renewable primary energy excluding non renewable primary energy resources used as raw materials
PENRM Use of non renewable primary energy resources used as raw materials
PENRT Total use of non renewable primary energy resources
SM Use of secondary material
RSF Use of renewable secondary fuels
NRSF Use of non renewable secondary fuels
FW Use of net fresh water
Output Flows and Waste Categories
HWD Hazardous waste disposed
NHWD Non hazardous waste disposed
RWD Radioactive waste disposed
CRU Components for re-use
MFR Materials for recycling
MER Materials for energy recovery
EE Exported energy per energy carrier
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Page 10 of 13
Anodized, Painted and Mill-Finish Aluminum Extrusions
Products of Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys
According to ISO 14025
Extruded Aluminum (anodized finish)
Results given per one kilogram of product.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS CML 2001 (Apr 2013) Manufacturing End-of-Life Credits
Parameter Unit A1-A3 C4 D
GWP kg CO2 eq 7.02E+00 2.26E-03 1.23E-01
ODP kg CFC-11 eq 5.13E-09 5.11E-14 4.33E-10
AP kg SO2 eq 3.50E-02 9.89E-06 9.44E-04
EP kg PO43 eq 1.64E-03 1.25E-06 3.96E-05
POCP kg C2H4 eq 2.12E-03 9.93E-07 4.18E-05
ADPE kg Sb eq 1.04E-05 8.76E-10 -6.30E-08
ADPF MJ 8.29E+01 3.47E-02 1.12E+00
TRACI 2.1 Manufacturing End-of-Life Credits
Parameter Unit A1-A3 C4 D
GWP kg CO2 eq 7.02E+00 2.26E-03 1.23E-01
ODP kg CFC-11 eq 6.15E-09 5.43E-14 4.72E-10
AP kg SO2 eq 3.22E-02 1.06E-05 8.67E-04
EP kg N eq 1.07E-03 5.81E-07 1.42E-05
SP kg O3 eq 2.40E-01 2.07E-04 6.64E-03
FF MJ 7.01E+00 4.47E-03 8.53E-02
RESOURCE USE Manufacturing End-of-Life Credits
Parameter Unit A1-A3 C4 D
PERE [MJ] 1.10E+01 1.94E-03 8.16E-01
PERM [MJ] - 4.85E-01 -
PERT [MJ] 1.10E+01 4.87E-01 8.16E-01
PENRE [MJ] 8.84E+01 3.57E-02 1.17E+00
PENRM [MJ] - - -
PENRT [MJ] 8.84E+01 3.57E-02 1.17E+00
SM [kg] 1.61E+00 - -
RSF [MJ] - - -
NRSF [MJ] - - -
FW [m³] 4.58E-02 -3.30E-05 3.53E-03
OUTPUT FLOWS AND WASTE CATEGORIES Manufacturing End-of-Life Credits
Parameter Unit A1-A3 C4 D
HWD [kg] 2.73E-04 6.88E-09 1.29E-05
NHWD [kg] 1.16E+00 5.01E-02 4.36E-02
RWD [kg] 2.44E-03 6.17E-05 2.46E-09
CRU [kg] - - -
MFR [kg] - - 9.50E-01
MER [kg] - - -
EEE [MJ] - - -
EET [MJ] - - -
Glossary Environmental Impacts
GWP Global warming potential
ODP Depletion potential of the stratospheric ozone layer
AP Acidification potential of land and water
EP Eutrophication potential
POCP Formation potential of tropospheric ozone photochemical oxidants
ADPE Abiotic depletion potential for non fossil resources
ADPF Abiotic depletion potential for fossil resources
FF Fossil fuel consumption
Resource Use
PERE Use of renewable primary energy excluding renewable primary energy resources used as raw materials; PERM = Use of renewable primary energy resources used as raw materials
PERT Total use of renewable primary energy resources
PENRE Use of non renewable primary energy excluding non renewable primary energy resources used as raw materials
PENRM Use of non renewable primary energy resources used as raw materials
PENRT Total use of non renewable primary energy resources
SM Use of secondary material
RSF Use of renewable secondary fuels
NRSF Use of non renewable secondary fuels
FW Use of net fresh water
Output Flows and Waste Categories
HWD Hazardous waste disposed
NHWD Non hazardous waste disposed
RWD Radioactive waste disposed
CRU Components for re-use
MFR Materials for recycling
MER Materials for energy recovery
EE Exported energy per energy carrier
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Page 11 of 13
Anodized, Painted and Mill-Finish Aluminum Extrusions
Products of Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys
According to ISO 14025
Life Cycle Assessment – Interpretation
-20%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
GWP ODP AP EP SFP FF
Mill finished extrusions
D
C4
A1-A3
-20%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
GWP ODP AP EP SFP FF
Painted aluminum extrusions
D
C4
A1-A3
-20%
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
GWP ODP AP EP SFP FF
Anodized aluminum extrusions
D
C4
A1-A3
The results represent the cradle-to-gate
and end-of-life environmental performance
of three types of aluminum extrusions: mill
finish, painted, and anodized. As shown in
the figures to the right, the results indicate
that the impacts are driven by the
manufacturing process (A1-A3). The
primary impact is derived from aluminum
production; the extrusion and finishing
processes account for a relatively small
part of the manufacturing impact in
comparison. Further, there is minimal
disparity between finishing option from a
life-cycle perspective.
The recycling rate of 95% represents a
defensible rate for aluminum extrusion
products in building and transportation
sector. This is based on a conservative
calculation for global aluminum recycling
from these sectors. The credits at the end-
of-life (Module D) do play a role in the life
cycle; if a higher rate is used, the credit will
increase, thus lowering the total life-cycle
impacts. Similarly, a lower recycling rate
would raise the total life cycle impacts. As
new information becomes available (e.g.,
the Aluminum Association publishes
regional-specific recycling rates), this
report and EPD should be modified to
reflect industry conditions.
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Page 12 of 13
Anodized, Painted and Mill-Finish Aluminum Extrusions
Products of Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys
According to ISO 14025
The environmental performance of the finishing options themselves is difficult to distinguish when viewed from a life
cycle perspective. The aluminum production dominates the life cycle impact, which does not allow for interpretation of
the impact from downstream extrusion and finishing processes. Although small in comparison with the aluminum billet,
the finishing processes do have notable difference in environmental performance, as illustrated in the above figure.
The mill finishing process has the lowest impact across all categories. Anodizing has the second lowest impacts and
painting has the largest impact in all categories except eutrophication potential, where painting has the second lowest
impacts and anodizing has the largest impact.
0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
120%
AP EP FF GWP ODP SFPext
rusi
on
an
d f
inis
hin
g p
roce
sse
s (A
3)
(re
lati
ve t
o p
ain
ted
)
Comparison of Finishing Alternatives(A3 Contributions Only)
Mill Anodized Painted
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Page 13 of 13
Anodized, Painted and Mill-Finish Aluminum Extrusions
Products of Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys
According to ISO 14025
References
AA. (2013). The Environmental Footprint of Semi-finished Aluminum Products in North America: A Life Cycle
Assessment Report. Aluminum Association.
EN. (2013). EN 15804:2013-05 Sustainability of construction works — Environmental Product Declarations — Core
rules for the product category of construction products.
IBU/UL. (2014). PCR Guidance-Texts for Building-Related Products and Services: Part B: Requirements on the EPD for
Products of aluminium and aluminium alloys. Berlin.
IBU/UL. (2014). Product Category Rules for Building-Related Products and Services: Part A: Calculation Rules for the
Life Cycle As-sessment and Requirements on the Project report. Königswinter.
ISO. (2006). 14024:2006, Environmental labels and declarations - Type III environmental declarations - Principles and
procedures.
ISO. (2006). 14040:2006, Environmental Management – Life Cycle Assessment – Principles and Framework.
ISO. (2006). 14044:2006 Environmental Management – Life Cycle Assessment – Requirements and Guidelines.
The Life Cycle Assessment was conducted by thinkstep (formerly PE INTERNATIONAL) using GaBi data.
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