Life Cycle Assessment Approach to Water Conservation
Bates, Wayne; Clark, Daniel
(Analog Devices, Cambridge, MA)
Evaluating opportunities for water conservation is much like conducting a life cycle assessment for a manufactured product. Both procedures require a close review of the system inventory, impacts, and improvements. This paper will provide an overview as to how life cycle assessment techniques can be applied when evaluating water conservation opportunities in the semiconductor manufacturing industry. Water use metrics for the semiconductor industry will be presented and discussed. Building on industry water use metrics and life cycle techniques, several water conservation projects completed at Analog Devices, Inc. will be presented. These success stories will include direct benefits such as, water and cost savings, as well as, indirect benefits such as, increased production, corporate stewardship, and reduced permitting requirements.