Prospective Technologies

Life cycle methods have generally been applied to existing technologies, but such techniques can also be employed prospectively, to assess and compare the life cycle costs and impacts of technologies now under development. Prof. MacLean and colleagues have conducted such studies (e.g. Spatari et al. 2005).

Researchers will work with scientists, engineers, and members of the business community who are developing new oil sands technologies to develop and refine techniques for prospective LCA. These techniques will enable systematic estimates of the life cycle impacts of oil sands development in the period 2020 and beyond. Perhaps more importantly, these techniques will help the prioritization of research and development activities by identifying technologies, or optimal combinations of technologies, that would provide particularly large life cycle benefits.

For more information on this part of the project please contact Alex Charpentier.