Avaliação ambiental do processo produtivo de aparelhos de ar-condicionado utilizando a ferramenta Análise do Ciclo de Vida (ACV)

Abstract

The industry of air conditioning is a major consumer of raw materials and strong generator of waste. The production process and each step in the life cycle of such products cause impacts contributing to environmental degradation. The air conditioning is one of the leading manufactured products in the Industrial Pole of Manaus and the most sold in the local market due to high temperatures, typical of the region. Therefore, this study evaluated the environmental aspects and potential impacts involved in the production process of window air conditioner, using the tool of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). LCA is a technique for environmental management based on inventory construction that considers the inputs of raw materials and energy, and waste emissions associated with the production process. In this context, a case study has been conducted in the Amazon Electrolux Ltd, manufacturer of air conditioners of the PIM, where the collection of data was made through desk research, interviews and questionnaires, molded based on the focus of the work and the guidelines established by ABNT NBR ISO 14040:2009, for the study of LCA. Secondly, the LCA methodology was applied, using software SimaPro 7.3 Faculty educational version, in order to identify the environmental impacts involved. The results obtained in the environmental assessment of the production process of window air-conditioning found that the electronic components, printed circuit boards and electrical components represent the greatest environmental burden in the production of these devices, due to the diversity of elements and compounds chemicals present in their compositions and the presence of toxic substances that cause harm to human health and the environment. The main potential impacts to which these inputs contribute are the carcinogenic effects, the use of fossil fuels and inorganic respiratory effects. Potential impacts include the categories of harm to human health, to ecosystem quality and to natural resources, the first being the most significant. The diagnosis of this evaluation made possible the construction of a benchmark survey for analysis and understanding of issues relating to the productive sector of air conditioning, contributing to the promotion of improvements in the product development and process, favoring cleaner production directed for sustainability.