A Life Cycle Analysis Approach For Making Sustainable Fiber Optic Purchasing Decisions In The Telecommunication Industry

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Stephens, J. (2015). A Life Cycle Analysis Approach For Making Sustainable Fiber Optic Purchasing Decisions In The Telecommunication Industry. Unc Charlotte Electronic Theses And Dissertations.
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Abstract

In recent decades, substantial research has surfaced that links global climate change with the human element. As the human species has evolved, the industrialization of prosperous nations has produced extreme consequences on our environment. Continual degradation of our surroundings has proven detrimental to our future. With this in mind, many companies are making progressive steps to become more sustainable (environmentally friendly, socially responsible and economically feasible), telecom providers are also researching ways that they might optimize their network grids in order to achieve greater efficiencies and reduce waste. Although this emergence of sustainable thinking is beneficial to our environment and society, many of these thoughts are coming after potentially dangerous products have already been placed on the open market. Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) is a methodology that aims to map the environmental footprint of any process, product or material by evaluating the impacts of products or materials from the extraction of their raw materials to their eventual disposal. With this information in hand, companies can begin making sound decisions toward the development and production of an eco-friendly socio-responsible product, all while realizing potential cost-cutting opportunities through the use of alternative materials. This study aims to revise and redirect the current purchasing habits of a major telecom provider by using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) in conjunction with LCA. More specifically, purchasing of the synthetic material alternatives used in the exterior jacketing of fiber optic cables is analyzed to create a more sustainable decision process. The results show that sustainable options can be obtained without sacrificing the traditional cost objective significantly.

Details
Author

Stephens, Jesse

Title

A Life Cycle Analysis Approach For Making Sustainable Fiber Optic Purchasing Decisions In The Telecommunication Industry

Physical Description

1 online resource (112 pages) : PDF

Date

2015

Degree Granting Institution

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

Abstract

In recent decades, substantial research has surfaced that links global climate change with the human element. As the human species has evolved, the industrialization of prosperous nations has produced extreme consequences on our environment. Continual degradation of our surroundings has proven detrimental to our future. With this in mind, many companies are making progressive steps to become more sustainable (environmentally friendly, socially responsible and economically feasible), telecom providers are also researching ways that they might optimize their network grids in order to achieve greater efficiencies and reduce waste. Although this emergence of sustainable thinking is beneficial to our environment and society, many of these thoughts are coming after potentially dangerous products have already been placed on the open market. Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) is a methodology that aims to map the environmental footprint of any process, product or material by evaluating the impacts of products or materials from the extraction of their raw materials to their eventual disposal. With this information in hand, companies can begin making sound decisions toward the development and production of an eco-friendly socio-responsible product, all while realizing potential cost-cutting opportunities through the use of alternative materials. This study aims to revise and redirect the current purchasing habits of a major telecom provider by using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) in conjunction with LCA. More specifically, purchasing of the synthetic material alternatives used in the exterior jacketing of fiber optic cables is analyzed to create a more sustainable decision process. The results show that sustainable options can be obtained without sacrificing the traditional cost objective significantly.

Genre

masters theses

Subjects--Topics

Sustainability
Environmental economics
Business

Degree

M.S.

Keywords

Analytical Hierarchy Process
Environmental
Fiber Optic
Life Cycle Analysis
Telecommunications

Subject Area

Engineering Management

Advisor(s)

Ozelkan, Ertunga

Committee Members

Ozelkan, Ertunga
Galambosi Ozelkan, Agnes
Saydam, Cem

Degree Note

Thesis (M.S.)--University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 2015.

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Rights Holder Information

Copyright is held by the author unless otherwise indicated.

Identifier

Stephens_uncc_0694N_10813

Permalink

http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.13093/etd:295