Comparative Life Cycle Assessment of a Commercial Steel Door Using Arivu Sustainability Platform and EPD LCA Data: A Focus on Environmental Impact and Accessibility

Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a critical tool for evaluating the environmental impacts of products and processes across their entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to disposal. However, traditional LCA methods are often complex, data-intensive, and require specialized software, limiting accessibility to non-experts. To address these barriers, we developed Arivu, a simplified LCA tool leveraging open-source databases. Unlike standard LCA software that often focuses on isolated emission values, Arivu emphasizes the complete journey of a product, providing a broader perspective on environmental sustainability. Arivu’s uniqueness lies in its scientific templates tailored to specific products and processes. These templates streamline the LCA process, reducing the need for extensive customization and enabling users to generate comprehensive LCA analyses with greater ease. The simplified yet scientifically robust approach of Arivu allows for more intuitive assessments, fostering a wider adoption of LCA among businesses and individuals aiming to make sustainable choices. In a comparative LCA study conducted in Montreal, Canada, we analyzed the environmental impacts of a commercial steel door with dimensions of 3.65 m × 3.62 m. Arivu yielded a global warming potential (GWP) value of 431.3 kgCO₂e, while EPD LCA data provided a GWP value of 455.0 kgCO₂e, both including end-of-life treatment. This analysis accounted for regional electricity generation profiles and transportation emissions relevant to the Montreal context, ensuring that local factors influenced the assessment. With Arivu, we aim to democratize LCA, making sustainability more accessible, actionable, and integrated into everyday decision-making. By simplifying the process and focusing on the entire life cycle, Arivu positions itself as a transformative tool for businesses and individuals striving for a sustainable future.