Co-operative development of an LCA methodology suitable for application to preservative treated products has been carried out, based on scoping assessments of two products, CCA treated fenceposts and creosote treated distribution poles. The general results of these scoping exercices are described, based on the CCA case study. These include the identification of critical stages in the life-cycle on the basis of a range of environmental concerns, assessment of the relative importance of these impacts, identification of critical areas for detailed attention in continuing work. The importance of correctly drawing the life-cycle boundary is clearly demonstrated, in relation to preservative treated timber products which both recycle wastes and byproducts, and may, themselves be recycled. A particular concern for the industry is the importance and availability of risk based impact assessments. The relationship between current and desired LCA impact assessment methods is described, and the data requirements for making progress are discussed.

Download document (858 kb)
free for the members of IRG. Available if purchased.

Purchase this document