Life cycle analysis of retrofitting with high energy efficiency air-conditioner and fluorescent lamp in existing buildings

Life cycle analysis of mercury in discarded low energy efficiency fluorescent lamps (36Â W) and of HCFC in air-conditioners (12,000Â Btu) removed from service has been conducted in this study. The objective was to find out the environmental impact (EDIP 1997 category, waste evaluation) of the products that appear in the waste stream as a result of facility upgrades. The scope of the study starts from retrofitting of the lamps and air-conditioners through recycling and disposal. For a 36Â W fluorescent lamp, the bulk waste 1.64E-5Â kg, hazardous waste 1.11E-4Â kg, radioactive waste 1.09E-9Â kg, and slag-ash 6.02E-7Â kg occurred at the end of life of the retrofitting cycle. For a 12,000Â Btu air-conditioner, the bulk waste 0.58Â kg, hazardous waste 0.11Â kg, radioactive waste 0.0002Â kg, and slag-ash 0.01Â kg also occurred at the end of life of the retrofitting cycle. These small amounts become important when viewed at the country level. These quantities imply that the policy makers who deal with hazardous waste should be aware of this waste-generating characteristic before issuing any pertinent policy. Consideration of this characteristic and planning for appropriate waste management methods at the beginning stage will reduce any future problem of contamination by the hazardous waste.