Life cycle assessment of radioactive materials from a residential neighbourhood

Abstract

[Abstract] This study was carried out, with the as main purpose to evaluate the impacts of the energy mix on the radioactive material generated by a residential neighbourhood. To achieve this objective, the same neighbourhood design is applied in 150 countries, but four parameters are adapted to each country: energy mix, local climate, building materials and occupants' mobility. In addition, this research evaluates the induced radioactive material of the neighbourhood over a life cycle of 100 years and examines the impact of mobility and photovoltaic panel on this environmental impact. This environmental impact was evaluated by the Pleiades ACV simulation software under four phases (construction, use, renovation, and demolition). Among the four local parameters (energy mix, local materials, climate, and transport), the energy mix has the most significant effect on the radioactive material. The results show that the countries having a higher concentration of nuclear sources have higher radioactivity waste than others. The implementation of the new scenario of photovoltaic allows reducing the 10% of radioactivity waste. Globally, 26.8% and 37.1% of radioactivity waste were produced by electricity and building materials, respectively.