Comparative Ecological Analysis of Construction and Materials, Applied for Dash Fascia, Front and Rear Bumpers of Different LADA Cars 2003-01-0208

Usually, the main considerations for a car customer are price, comfort, safety, economy, practicality, aesthetics and design. The dynamics of these factors during car use are also important. Recently one more important car characteristic became firmly established: the ecological compatibility of car during its total life cycle. This included numerous environmental requirements: the consumption of energy and materials during car production and use, exhaust toxicity, the contents of ecologically unfriendly substances in used materials, the ELV (end-of-life vehicle) dismantling time, and the suitability of parts and materials for reuse and recycling.

During development and manufacturing LADA cars, AVTOVAZ considered and solved several environmental problems: reduction of harmful substances, toxicity of exhausted gases, and applying more qualitative materials. We analyzed design and materials applied for such large and important components as dash fascia (instrument panel), front and rear bumpers of different LADA models. These components were developed 5 to 25 years ago when environmental parameters and recycling requirements were ignored. The analysis was based on comparison of masses, applied materials, fasteners, suitability for dismantling, recyclability. The comparison of the components and calculation of the factors of environmental impact and their magnitude based on Total Life Cycle Analysis were implemented according to Eco-indicator' 99 methodology (EI'99) - a Damage Oriented Method for Life Cycle Impact Assessment [1].

The results of the calculations allowed us to draw a conclusion on the main efforts directed towards improving environmental protection during car production at AVTOVAZ. The improving environmental performance of LADA models during Total Life Cycle was based on the results of this analysis.