Product life cycle evaluation device, product life cycle evaluation system, product life cycle evaluation method, and product life cycle evaluation program

Abstract

Provided are a product life cycle assessment apparatus, a product life cycle assessment system, a product life cycle assessment method, and a product life cycle assessment program that can evaluate the balance of environmental load, recycling rate, and cost in view of the entire product life cycle. 【Solution means】 The product life cycle assessment apparatus 20 includes a first processing unit 211 that performs simulation processing for calculating an environmental performance index including environmental load information and a recycling rate in the entire life cycle of a predetermined product and a total cost by changing conditions of influencing factors that affect the total cost, and an output unit 213 that outputs the simulation processing result of the first processing unit 211.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a product life cycle evaluation device, a product life cycle evaluation system, a product life cycle evaluation method, and a product life cycle evaluation program.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, by repeatedly using resources, the generation of waste and the depletion of resources are suppressed, the environmental load is minimized, the recycling rate is increased to improve the resource circulation rate, and the shift to a recycling-based society that maximizes the utilization efficiency of resources is being promoted as a national strategy. Therefore, for example, Patent Document 1 describes a configuration for calculating an environmental load by acquiring various information related to the manufacture of a product.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, the invention of Patent Document 1 calculates only the environmental load in the manufacturing process of the product life cycle, and does not calculate the environmental load throughout the life cycle. Also, in manufacturing a product as a corporate activity, it is necessary to pursue not only the reduction of the environmental load but also the reduction of costs as before. However, in the invention described in Patent Document 1, based on the calculated environmental load, although the conditions can be changed to reduce it, it is not possible to achieve both the reduction of the environmental load and the reduction of costs.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances. Its object is to provide a product life cycle assessment device, a product life cycle assessment system, a product life cycle assessment method, and a product life cycle assessment program capable of evaluating the balance of environmental load, recycling rate, and cost over the entire product life cycle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, the invention according to claim 1 is a product life cycle assessment device, comprising: an environmental performance index including environmental load information and recycling rate over the entire life cycle of a predetermined product, and a first processing unit that performs simulation processing for calculating the environmental performance index and the total cost by changing the conditions of influencing factors that affect the total cost; , Environmental Impact Assessment Index an output unit that outputs the simulation processing result of the first processing unit; and 、 The first processing unit includes a cost calculation unit that calculates the total cost, a recycling rate calculation unit that calculates the recycling rate, an environmental load information calculation unit that calculates the environmental load information, an environmental impact assessment index calculation unit that calculates the environmental impact assessment index, and a simulation unit that performs the simulation process. In the simulation process, the simulation unit performs an optimization process to obtain a combination of the impact factors that can achieve the environmental performance index and / or the total cost set by the user. As a result of the simulation process, the output unit outputs the combination of the impact factors obtained by the simulation unit.

[0008] Claim 2 The invention according to claim is the product life cycle assessment device according to claim 1, wherein the breakdown of the total cost includes disposal cost and transportation cost related to disposal, it is provided with a waste treatment operator DB in which information related to waste treatment operators is stored, the Cost Calculation unit calculates the total cost based on the disposal cost data and location data stored in the waste treatment operator DB.

[0009] Claim 3 The invention according to claim is the product life cycle assessment device according to claim 2 wherein the Recycling Rate Calculation ​​The section calculates the recycling rate based on the recycling rate data stored in the waste treatment operator DB.

[0010] Claim 4 The invention according to claim 2 is a product life cycle assessment apparatus according to claim 、 Before recording Environmental Load Information Calculation The section calculates the environmental load information based on the position data stored in the waste treatment operator DB. Report calculate.

[0011] Claim 5 The invention according to claim is a product life cycle assessment apparatus according to claim 1, Based on the mass balance method With respect to the input amount of raw materials in the product manufacturing process Input amount of sustainable raw materials Ratio and Total products manufactured A second processing unit that outputs mass balance information based on the relationship with the amount to the output unit.

[0013] Claim 6 The invention according to claim is a product life cycle assessment system, Claims 1 to 5 A product life cycle assessment apparatus according to any one of A user terminal network-connected to the product life cycle assessment apparatus, and The output unit outputs the simulation processing result to the user terminal.

[0014] Claim 7 The invention according to claim is a product life cycle assessment method by a product life cycle assessment apparatus, A product life cycle assessment method by a product life cycle assessment apparatus, Environmental load information in the entire life cycle of a predetermined product , Environmental Impact Assessment Index a first processing step of performing a simulation process for calculating the environmental performance index and the total cost by changing conditions of influencing factors that affect the environmental performance index and the recycling rate; and an output step of outputting a simulation processing result of the first processing step. 、 The first processing step includes a cost calculation step that calculates the total cost, a recycling rate calculation step that calculates the recycling rate, an environmental load information calculation step that calculates the environmental load information, an environmental impact assessment index calculation step that calculates the environmental impact assessment index, and a simulation step that performs the simulation process. In the simulation step, in the simulation process, an optimization process is performed to obtain a combination of the impact factors that can achieve the environmental performance index and / or the total cost set by the user. As a result of the simulation process, the output step outputs the combination of the impact factors obtained in the simulation step. .

[0015] Claim 8 The invention described in is a product life cycle assessment program, The computer of the product life cycle assessment device, Environmental impact information for a given product throughout its life cycle , Environmental Impact Assessment Index By changing the conditions of the environmental performance indicators including the recycling rate and the influence factors that affect the total cost, The a first processing unit that performs a simulation process for calculating an environmental performance index and a total cost; an output unit that outputs a simulation processing result of the first processing unit; Function as 、 The first processing unit functions as a cost calculation unit that calculates the total cost, a recycling rate calculation unit that calculates the recycling rate, an environmental load information calculation unit that calculates the environmental load information, an environmental impact assessment index calculation unit that calculates the environmental impact assessment index, and a simulation unit that performs the simulation process. In the simulation process, the simulation unit performs an optimization process to obtain a combination of the impact factors that can achieve the environmental performance index and / or the total cost set by the user. As a result of the simulation process, the output unit outputs the combination of the impact factors obtained by the simulation unit. . Effect of the Invention

[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to evaluate the balance between environmental load, recycling rate, and cost taking into account the entire life cycle of a product. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a product life cycle assessment system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of a graph output as a result of the multi-objective optimization process. [Figure 3] It is a schematic diagram of a table for outputting the results of multi-objective optimization processing.

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0018] Hereinafter, based on FIGS. 1 to 7, the product life cycle evaluation system 100 which is an embodiment of the present invention will be described. However, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples.

[0019] [Overall Configuration] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the main configuration of a product life cycle evaluation system (hereinafter, “system”) 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the system 100 includes a user terminal (hereinafter, “terminal”) 10 as a terminal device and a product life cycle evaluation device (hereinafter, “device”) 20. The terminal 10 and the device 20 are connected to each other by a network N. In FIG. 1, only one terminal 10 is shown, but a plurality of terminals 10 may be connected to the device 20 simultaneously.

[0020] (Network) The network N may include various communication networks such as a telephone line network, an optical fiber, a mobile communication network, a communication satellite line, a CATV (Community Antenna TeleVision) line network, or other dedicated lines, as well as an Internet service provider (Internet) or the like that connects them. Further, the network N may be an integrated communication network in which various communication networks such as a LAN (Local Area Network), a WAN (Wide Area Network), WiFi (Wireless Fidelity), Bluetooth (registered trademark), or NFC (Near Field Communication) are communicably connected to each other. Also, regarding the connection form, it does not matter whether it is wired, wireless, or a mixture of wired and wireless.

[0021] (User terminal) The terminal 10 is a device held and used by each user who uses the system 100. Note that the terminal 10 is a portable information terminal such as a smartphone or a tablet terminal. Alternatively, the terminal 10 is a terminal device such as a laptop computer (notebook computer, notebook, and ultrabook, etc.) or a desktop PC.

[0022] Each terminal 10 performs data communication with the device 20 using the network N (the communication line of the terminal 10, a wireless LAN, etc.). The terminal 10 includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, a display unit 14, an operation input unit 15, and the like.

[0023] {Control unit} The control unit 11 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc., and is a processor (computer) that comprehensively controls the operations of each part in the terminal 10. The CPU reads out programs such as apps (application programs) stored in the storage unit 12, expands them in the RAM, and executes various processes by executing the programs.

[0024] {Storage unit} The storage unit 12 includes a non-volatile semiconductor memory or the like, and stores programs such as applications and various data. A web browser or a program capable of executing various processes described later is installed in the terminal 10, and the files of the web browser or the program are stored in the storage unit 12. In the present embodiment, it will be described as performing various processes from a web browser.

[0025] {Communication unit} The communication unit 13 is configured by a communication interface or the like. The communication unit 13 transmits and receives data to and from the device 20 via the network N using a predetermined communication protocol.

[0026] {Display unit} The display unit 14 includes a display device such as a liquid crystal display. The display unit 14 displays various screens under the control of the control unit 11.

[0027] {Operation input unit} The operation input unit 15 is composed of, for example, various operation keys. The operation input unit 15 converts the user's input operation into an operation signal and outputs it to the control unit 11. Note that the display unit 14 and the operation input unit 15 may be integrated as a touch panel.

[0028] (Product life cycle evaluation device) The device 20 is provided with functions necessary in the system 100. The device 20 includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, and a communication unit 23. The device 20 is, for example, a cloud server realized by cloud computing, but is not limited thereto. The device 20 may be a device having a physical entity, and on-premises operation may be performed. Further, when the device 20 is a device having a physical entity, the device 20 may be configured by a plurality of devices.

[0029] {Control unit} The control unit 21 is composed of a CPU, a RAM, etc. The CPU reads out various programs stored in the storage unit 22, expands them in the RAM, executes various processes according to the expanded programs, and centrally controls the operations of each part in the apparatus 20. In particular, when the CPU executes a program, the control unit 21 mainly functions as a first processing unit 211, a second processing unit 212, and an output unit 213.

[0030] <First Processing Unit> The first processing unit 211 mainly performs simulation processing for outputting environmental performance indicators and total costs when changing the environmental performance indicators and influencing factors that affect the total cost in the product life cycle. The influencing factors are, for example, the amount of raw material input, the raw material composition ratio in the manufacturing process of the product, and the waste treatment operator in the disposal process, etc. The environmental performance indicators and total costs will be described later.

[0031] The first processing unit 211 functions as, for example, a cost calculation unit 2111, a recycling rate calculation unit 2112, an environmental load information calculation unit 2113, an environmental impact assessment index calculation unit 2114, and a simulation unit 2115.

[0032] 〈Cost Calculation Unit〉 The cost calculation unit 2111 calculates the total cost in the entire life cycle of the product. The cost calculation unit 2111 calculates the manufacturing cost, transportation cost, disposal cost, and recycling cost for a predetermined product respectively, and calculates the total cost by adding these up.

[0033] 〈Recycling Rate Calculation Unit〉 The recycling rate calculation unit 2112 calculates the recycling rate based on the items and properties at the time of product disposal. Specifically, the recycling rate calculation unit 2112 calculates the recycling rate by dividing the amount of reused or recycled resources by the total amount of resource input in production and consumption activities.

[0034] 〈Environmental Load Information Calculation Unit〉 The environmental load information calculation unit 2113 calculates environmental load information such as GHG (Green House Gas) emissions and resource consumption. For example, the GHG emissions can be calculated by multiplying the activity amount, which is data related to GHG emission sources in a specific action or process, by the emission factor, which is a coefficient indicating the GHG emission amount per activity amount.

[0035] More specifically, the environmental load information calculation unit 2113 calculates the GHG emissions associated with electricity use by multiplying the electricity consumption amount, which is the activity amount in each process, by the emission factor of electricity consumption. Also, the environmental load information calculation unit 2113 calculates the GHG emissions associated with fuel consumption by multiplying the fuel consumption amount, which is the activity amount in each process, by the emission factor of fuel consumption. Further, the environmental load information calculation unit 2113 calculates the GHG emissions associated with transportation by multiplying the multiplication result of the transportation distance, which is the activity amount, and the fuel consumption by the emission factor of fuel consumption. In particular, the environmental load information calculation unit 2113 calculates the GHG emissions associated with the transportation of waste disposal by multiplying the transportation distance based on the current position stored in the storage unit 22 and the position data of the waste disposal operator stored in the waste disposal operator DB224 described later by the fuel consumption and the emission factor of fuel consumption.

[0036] 〈Environmental impact assessment index calculation unit〉 The environmental impact assessment index calculation unit 2114 calculates environmental impact assessment indexes by LIME3 (Life-cycle Impact assessment Method based on Endpoint modeling) or the like. For example, the environmental impact assessment index calculation unit 2114 calculates the GWP (Global Warming Potential), which is an index used to quantify the impact on global warming, by multiplying the emission amount of each GHG in each process by the global warming coefficient set for each GHG and summing them up.

[0037] In addition, the environmental impact assessment index calculation unit 2114 calculates the AP (Acidification Potential), which is an index used to evaluate the impact on the environment caused by the emission of gases that cause acid rain, by multiplying the emission amount of each gas in each process by the acidification coefficient set for each gas and then summing them up.

[0038] In addition, the environmental impact assessment index calculation unit 2114 calculates the EP (Eutrophication Potential), which is an index used to evaluate the impact on the reduction of eutrophication caused by the outflow of nutrients into water areas, by multiplying the emission amount of each nutrient in each process by the eutrophication potential set for each nutrient and then summing them up.

[0039] In addition, the environmental impact assessment index calculation unit 2114 calculates the RDI (Resource Depletion Indicators), which is an index used to evaluate the impact on resource depletion, by multiplying the consumption amount of each resource in each process by the depletion potential, which is a coefficient representing the impact caused by the depletion of each resource, and then summing them up.

[0040] In addition, the environmental impact assessment index calculation unit 2114 calculates the CED (Cumulative Energy Demand), which is an index used to evaluate the consumption amount of the total energy related to production and use, by multiplying the consumption amount of each energy in each process by the energy coefficient, which is a coefficient representing the potential related to each energy consumption, and then summing them up.

[0041] In addition, the environmental impact assessment index calculation unit 2114 calculates the API (Air Pollution Indicators), which is an index used to evaluate the impact of pollutants emitted into the atmosphere, by multiplying the emission amount of each pollutant in each process by the air pollution coefficient, which is a coefficient representing the pollution potential of each pollutant, and then summing them up.

[0042] In the present invention, for the sake of convenience, the recycling rate calculated by the recycling rate calculation unit 2112, the environmental load information calculated by the environmental load information calculation unit 2113, and the environmental impact assessment index calculated by the environmental impact assessment index calculation unit 2114 are collectively referred to as environmental performance indicators.

[0043] 〈Simulation Unit〉 The simulation unit 2115 performs optimization processing to output influencing factors for achieving the environmental management target items set by the user by performing simulation processing.

[0044] For example, when the user sets the minimization of the total cost as the environmental management target item, the simulation unit 2115 performs optimization processing to minimize the total cost calculated by the cost calculation unit 2111. Similarly, when the minimization of the GHG emission amount is set as the environmental management target item, the simulation unit 2115 performs optimization processing to minimize the sum of the GHG emission amounts in each process calculated by the environmental load information calculation unit 2113. Also, when the maximization of the recycling rate is set as the environmental management target item, the simulation unit 2115 performs optimization processing to maximize the recycling rate calculated by the recycling rate calculation unit 2112.

[0045] However, generally, when conducting product manufacturing as corporate activities, there are various constraints. Therefore, when constraints are set, the simulation unit 2115 performs optimization processing in accordance with the said constraints.

[0046] For example, a budget is set for product manufacturing as a corporate activity. Therefore, even when the total cost is not set as an environmental management target item, the simulation unit 2115 performs optimization processing so that the total cost calculated by the cost calculation unit 2111 is equal to or less than the budget. In addition, upper limit values based on normal legal regulations and the sustainability goals of the enterprise are set for the GHG emissions. Therefore, even when the GHG emissions are not set as an environmental management target item, the simulation unit 2115 performs optimization processing so that the GHG emissions calculated by the environmental load information calculation unit 2113 are equal to or less than the upper limit value. In addition, there is a limit to the amount of recyclable resources. Therefore, the simulation unit 2115 performs optimization processing so that the usage amount of each resource is equal to or less than the maximum available amount of the resource.

[0047] Note that the simulation unit 2115 may set the preconditions in each process, such as product strength conditions and service life conditions, as constraint conditions.

[0048] When there is one environmental management target item set by the user, the simulation unit 2115 performs single-objective optimization processing as the optimization processing, and when there are multiple environmental management target items, the simulation unit 2115 performs multi-objective optimization processing as the optimization processing.

[0049] Specifically, when the importance of each environmental management target item is wi, the information obtained (power consumption, fuel consumption, unit price, transportation distance, waste amount, unit consumption, recycling rate, processor information, etc.) is x, and the calculation formula of each environmental management target item is fi(x), the simulation unit 2115 performs single-objective optimization processing according to the following formula (1).

[0050]

Equation

[0051] However, in the case of formula (1), due to the difference in the numerical scale of fi(x), the calculation result may be biased. In such a case, it is preferable to use f’i(x) (= fi(x) - μi / σi, where μi is the average value of fi(x) and σi is the standard deviation of fi(x)) obtained by normalizing fi(x) in formula 1.

[0052] Further, the simulation unit 2115 performs multi-objective optimization processing according to the following formula (2).

[0053]

Number

[0054] When the simulation unit 2115 performs the optimization processing, the output unit 213 outputs the result. In particular, when the simulation unit 2115 performs multi-objective optimization processing, the output unit 213 outputs, as shown in FIG. 2, a graph of the Pareto front including a plurality of Pareto optimal solutions (white circles in FIG. 2) that are the results to the display unit 14 of the terminal 10. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the output unit 213 outputs a table combining a plurality of Pareto optimal solutions with the current total cost and environmental performance indicators output with the current settings of the influencing factors to the display unit 14. The user can compare the output current environmental performance indicators and total cost with the plurality of Pareto optimal solutions, select a preferable one, and appropriately check the influencing factors in the life cycle of the product according to the selection content.

[0055] Further, the first processing unit 211 stores the calculation process and results of each multi-objective optimization process by the simulation unit 2115 in a calculation result DB225, which will be described later, in the storage unit 22. With such a configuration, the user can call up the stored content at an arbitrary timing and re-evaluate.

[0056] Note that FIGS. 2 and 3 are merely examples of a graph and a table when performing multi-objective optimization processing with the total cost and the recycling rate set as environmental management target items. Among the environmental management target items, the targets set as environmental performance indicators are not limited to the recycling rate. Also, in FIG. 2, since the environmental management target items to be set are two, namely the total cost and the recycling rate, a configuration for outputting a two-dimensional graph is illustrated. However, the environmental management target items to be set may be three or more, and the output method may be appropriately changed according to the number of the set environmental management target items.

[0057] Also, in the above, the unit consumption used in the optimization processing and the processor information may be configured to be obtained from the unit consumption DB222 and the waste processor DB224 described later, respectively. In particular, when obtaining the processor information from the waste processor DB224, after calculating the transportation distance, recycling rate, cost, etc. in the case where processors satisfying the conditions of processable items are respectively used in the simulation unit 2115, the output unit 213 displays them in a comparable manner as shown in FIG. 3, so that a more preferable processor can be selected, which is preferable.

[0058] <Second Processing Unit> When the second processing unit 212 obtains, as input information, the ratio of the input amount of sustainable raw materials to the input amount of raw materials in the product manufacturing process and the total amount of products manufactured, it calculates the ratio of sustainable raw materials in the products based on these and outputs mass balance information.

[0059] The general flow of balance management and the output process of balance management information is shown in the flowchart of FIG. 4. When raw materials are received, the second processing unit 212, for example, acquires the receipt data of the raw materials from the terminal 10, and creates receipt information by formatting this data (step S1). An example of the receipt information is shown in FIG. 5. As shown in FIG. 5, the receipt information includes at least the receipt date, raw material name, sustainable amount (the amount procured in a state where sustainability is ensured), and non-sustainable amount. Note that the reception of data in this step is not limited to manual input, and may be performed, for example, by reading data from a delivery note or an SD (Sustainability Declaration) using known AI-OCR or the like.

[0060] Then, when products are produced using the raw materials, the second processing unit 212 receives, for example, input of data related to the production volume and sustainable share (the ratio of sustainable raw materials in the product) of the product from the terminal 10 (step S2). Then, when the second processing unit 212 receives the input of these data, it calculates the allocated sustainable amount by multiplying the production volume by the sustainability share (step S3). An example of the production and shipment information including the calculated allocated sustainable amount is shown in FIG. 6.

[0061] After calculating the allocated sustainable amount, the second processing unit 212 multiplies the receipt amount of the raw materials that have received, for example, ISCC (International Sustainability & Carbon Certification) certification, among the raw materials received as receipt data, by a CF (Conversion Factor; yield / conversion coefficient) taking into account the losses in the manufacturing process to calculate the available sustainable amount (step S4). Then, the second processing unit 212 calculates the period credit by subtracting the allocated sustainable amount calculated in step S3 from the available sustainable amount calculated in step S4 (step S5).

[0062] An example of mass balance management information including the calculated period credit is shown in FIG. 7. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, among the raw materials received in October 2024, 450 kg obtained by multiplying 500 kg, which is the sustainable amount (receipt amount) of ISCC-certified PP received, by 0.9 of CF, becomes the available sustainable amount. Here, since the allocated sustainable amount in October 2024 is 150 kg obtained by multiplying the production amount of 300 kg by the sustainable share of 0.5, 450 kg - 150 kg = 300 kg becomes the period credit in October 2024.

[0063] During the mass balance period (step S6; No), the second processing unit 212 repeats steps S1 to S5 above. As shown in FIG. 7, during the mass balance period, if the period credit for the previous month is positive, it may be carried over to the next month.

[0064] When the mass balance period has elapsed (step S6; Yes), the second processing unit 212 causes the output unit 213 to output various types of information including the balance management information shown in FIG. 7 (step S7). If the final period credit is positive, the balance management is being performed without problems. Of course, during the mass balance period, various data shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 can be sequentially confirmed by the output of the output unit 213.

[0065] By providing such a second processing unit 212, it becomes easier to prove sustainability based on the mass balance method, so that the product is more likely to receive ISCC certification.

[0066] In the above, the case where the second processing unit 212 is used in the manufacturing process of the product is exemplified, but it is not limited to this, and it may be similarly used in the production process of raw materials.

[0067] <Output unit> Returning to FIG. 1, the output unit 213 outputs the processing results of the first processing unit 211 and the second processing unit 212 to the display unit 14 of the terminal 10. As the output format by the output unit 213, it may be only a table or a graph as shown in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5 to 7, but it may also be in a report format. More specifically, in addition to the table or graph, it may be in a report format including product information, calculation criteria, prerequisite conditions such as the DB of the storage unit 22 used, text related to the interpretation of the calculation result, breakdown of environmental impact assessment indicators, costs of each process in the product life cycle, or environmental performance indicators and diagrams related to mass balance information, etc. {Storage unit} The storage unit 22 includes an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a non-volatile semiconductor memory, etc. The storage unit 22 stores various programs executed by the control unit 21 and various data, etc. Note that at least a part of the various programs may be stored in the ROM, etc. of the control unit 21.

[0068] Stored in the storage unit 22 are a Web server program, an application program, etc. The Web server program communicates with the Web browser or program installed on the terminal 10 using the HTTP protocol to provide a Web site for using the system 100 and realizes the function as a Web server. The application program operates on the Web server to realize various processes.

[0069] Also, stored in the storage unit 22 are a price information DB 221, a unit cost DB 222, a coefficient list 223 for environmental impact assessment indicators, a waste treatment operator DB 224, a calculation result DB 225, etc.

[0070] <Price information DB> The price information DB221 stores the prices of each raw material and the like required for manufacturing the product. Even if the price of a predetermined raw material at the time of manufacturing the product is stored in the price information DB221, the price may vary depending on market conditions and the like when the product is discarded or recycled. Therefore, in the above optimization process, prediction data predicted by having AI (Artificial Intelligence) analyze market conditions and economic analyst reports may be used instead of the data in the price information DB221.

[0071] <Unit consumption DB> The unit consumption DB222 stores a unit consumption table indicating the amount of resources, energy, and the amount of GHG emitted per unit of the product.

[0072] <Coefficient list for environmental impact assessment indicators> The coefficient list 223 for environmental impact assessment indicators stores coefficients used to quantitatively evaluate specific environmental loads (such as CO2 emissions and resource consumption) of the product.

[0073] <Waste treatment operator DB> The waste treatment operator DB224 stores data related to each waste treatment operator. The waste treatment operator DB224 stores information such as, for example, the operator name, the location of the intermediate treatment plant (location data), the waste items handled, the treatment method, the treatment unit price (waste cost data), the recycling rate (recycling rate data), the GHG emissions, and the final disposal site information (name, location (location data), items, etc.) (only in the case of intermediate treatment operators).

[0074] When constructing the waste disposal operator DB224, data input can be carried out by linking data to JWNET, which centrally manages the progress of industrial waste disposal in Japan as electronic manifest information, through EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) or API (Application Programming Interface). Alternatively, data can be obtained from the waste disposal business permit issuance system of each local government.

[0075] Also, when constructing the waste disposal operator DB224, if data input is carried out based on the contract documents with each waste disposal operator and the waste disposal business permit, these documents can be read by OCR (Optical Character Recognition) and analyzed by AI to achieve efficiency improvement.

[0076] As described above, since the waste disposal operator DB224 has a large number of data items and a huge number of waste disposal operators, in the above optimization process, the computational load and memory usage of the simulation unit 2115 can become extremely large. In addition, waste collection and transportation operators, intermediate treatment operators, and final treatment operators have strong connections among operators due to constraints such as regional characteristics and processable items. Therefore, the waste disposal operator DB224 may be constructed as a graph database. In this case, by assigning values such as cost and GHG emissions to each node and relation, in the optimization process, a route that minimizes each value can be output.

[0077] 〈Calculation Result DB〉 The calculation result DB225 stores the calculation results in the optimization process.

[0078] {Communication Unit} The communication unit 23 is composed of a communication module and the like. The communication unit 23 transmits and receives various signals and various data to and from the terminal 10 and other devices connected via the network N.

[0079] In addition, when the device 20 is a device having a physical entity, a configuration corresponding to the display unit 14 and the operation input unit 15 of the terminal 10 may be provided in the device 20 so that operation input can be directly performed on the device 20.

[0080] [Effects of Embodiment] As described above, the device 20 according to the present embodiment changes the conditions of the environmental performance indicators including the environmental load information and the recycling rate in the entire life cycle of a predetermined product and the influencing factors that affect the total cost, and calculates the environmental performance indicators and the total cost. It includes a first processing unit 211 that performs simulation processing, and an output unit 213 that outputs the simulation processing result of the first processing unit 211. According to this configuration, for example, after performing simulation processing based on the current conditions of the influencing factors, by comparing with the result of changing the conditions of the influencing factors, the environmental load, recycling rate, and cost balance over the entire life cycle of the product can be evaluated.

[0081] In addition, the output unit 213 outputs the conditions of the influencing factors for achieving the environmental performance indicators and the total cost set by the user. According to this configuration, the user can select a preferable condition from among the conditions of the influencing factors that can achieve the set environmental management target items.

[0082] In addition, the apparatus 20 includes a waste treatment operator DB 224 in which information related to waste treatment operators is stored, and the second processing unit 212 executes an optimization process based on the data stored in the waste treatment operator DB 224. Specifically, for example, the breakdown of the total cost includes the waste cost and the transportation cost related to the waste. The first processing unit 211 calculates the total cost based on the waste cost data and the location data stored in the waste treatment operator DB 224. Alternatively, the first processing unit 211 calculates the recycling rate based on the recycling rate data stored in the waste treatment operator DB 224. Alternatively, the environmental performance index includes an environmental impact assessment index, and the first processing unit 211 calculates the environmental load information and / or the environmental impact assessment index based on the location data stored in the waste treatment operator DB 224. According to this configuration, not only the waste treatment operators with which current transactions are being conducted but also other waste treatment operators that satisfy the conditions of the processable items can be targeted for the simulation process, and there is a possibility of being able to conduct transactions with more suitable waste treatment operators.

[0083] In addition, the apparatus 20 includes a second processing unit 212 that causes the output unit 213 to output balance management information based on the relationship between the input amount of sustainable raw materials based on the mass balance method and the amount of sustainable raw materials consumed in manufacturing. According to this configuration, it becomes possible to manage the balance of the product and it becomes easier to obtain ISCC certification.

[0084] In addition, in the simulation process, the first processing unit 211 performs different optimization processes according to the environmental management target items set by the user. According to this configuration, it is possible to clarify the most suitable environmental factors for realizing the desired environmental management target items.

[0085] In the above, some embodiments of the present invention have been described, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and includes the scope of the invention described in the claims and the equivalent scope thereof.

Explanation of Signs

[0086] 100 Product Life Cycle Evaluation System 10 User Terminal 20 Product Life Cycle Evaluation Device 211 First Processing Unit 212 Second Processing Unit 213 Output Unit 224 Waste Disposal Operator DB

Claims

1. a first processing unit that performs a simulation process for calculating an environmental performance index including environmental load information, an environmental impact assessment index, and a recycle rate over the entire life cycle of a predetermined product, and a total cost by changing conditions of influence factors that affect the environmental performance index and the total cost; an output unit that outputs a simulation processing result of the first processing unit; Equipped with the first processing unit includes a cost calculation unit that calculates the total cost, a recycle rate calculation unit that calculates the recycle rate, an environmental load information calculation unit that calculates the environmental load information, an environmental impact assessment index calculation unit that calculates the environmental impact assessment index, and a simulation unit that performs the simulation process; the simulation unit performs an optimization process to obtain a combination of the influencing factors that can achieve the environmental performance index and / or the total cost set by a user in the simulation process; The output unit outputs the combination of influence factors acquired by the simulation unit as a result of the simulation process.

2. The breakdown of the total cost includes disposal costs and transportation costs related to disposal, A waste disposal company DB is provided in which information relating to waste disposal companies is stored, 2. The product life cycle assessment device according to claim 1, wherein the cost calculation unit calculates the total cost based on disposal cost data and location data stored in the waste disposal company DB.

3. 3. The product life cycle assessment device according to claim 2, wherein the recycling rate calculation unit calculates the recycling rate based on recycling rate data stored in the waste disposal company DB.

4. A product life cycle assessment device as described in Claim 2, wherein the environmental load information calculation unit calculates the environmental load information based on the location data stored in the waste disposal company DB.

5. The product life cycle assessment device according to claim 1, further comprising a second processing unit that causes the output unit to output mass balance information based on the relationship between the ratio of the input amount of sustainable raw materials to the input amount of raw materials in a product manufacturing process based on a mass balance method and the total amount of product manufactured.

6. The product life cycle assessment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, a user terminal connected to the product life cycle assessment apparatus through a network, The output unit outputs the simulation processing result to the user terminal.

7. A product life cycle assessment method using a product life cycle assessment device, comprising: a first processing step of performing a simulation process for calculating an environmental performance index and a total cost by changing conditions of an influence factor that affects environmental load information, an environmental impact assessment index, and an environmental performance index including a recycle rate throughout the entire life cycle of a predetermined product; an output step of outputting a simulation processing result of the first processing step, the first processing step includes a cost calculation step of calculating the total cost, a recycle rate calculation step of calculating the recycle rate, an environmental load information calculation step of calculating the environmental load information, an environmental impact assessment index calculation step of calculating the environmental impact assessment index, and a simulation step of performing the simulation process; the simulation step performs an optimization process to obtain a combination of the influencing factors that can achieve the environmental performance index and / or the total cost set by a user in the simulation process; The output step of the product life cycle assessment method outputs the combination of the influencing factors acquired in the simulation step as a result of the simulation process.

8. The computer of the product life cycle assessment device, a first processing unit that performs a simulation process for calculating an environmental performance index including environmental load information, an environmental impact assessment index, and a recycle rate, and a total cost by changing conditions of influence factors that affect the environmental performance index and the total cost over the entire life cycle of a predetermined product; an output unit that outputs a simulation processing result of the first processing unit; Function as a the first processing unit functions as a cost calculation unit that calculates the total cost, a recycle rate calculation unit that calculates the recycle rate, an environmental load information calculation unit that calculates the environmental load information, an environmental impact assessment index calculation unit that calculates the environmental impact assessment index, and a simulation unit that performs the simulation process; the simulation unit performs an optimization process to obtain a combination of the influencing factors that can achieve the environmental performance index and / or the total cost set by a user in the simulation process; The product life cycle assessment program, wherein the output unit outputs the combination of influence factors acquired by the simulation unit as a result of the simulation processing.

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