Life Cycle Analysis Comparison between Textbooks and E-books in Philippine Public Schools

Abstract

Background: Early Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) studies show e-reading to be better in several impact assessment indicators. However, new data on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) devices, particularly on the life cycle of components of these devices, become areas for investigation. Recent advances in devices used in e- book reading should be accounted in comparing environmental impacts between textbook and e-book reading.

Objectives: The objectives of the study are the following: (1) to model the life cycle from cradle to usage phase of reading one textbook in both print and e-book format; and (2) to compare the environmental impacts between reading textbooks in print and reading textbooks in e-book format.

Methodology: A functional unit of a 280-page textbook read in 1 year was the basis for modelling life cycle from the cradle to usage phase of both print and e-book formats of a textbook. Processes related to paper production, printing and manufacture are based on United States Life Cycle Inventory Database. Processes related to e-book reading are taken from the Life Cycle Analysis of the Sony Z5 mobile phone. Normalized outputs on impact assessments were compared using Tools for Reduction and Assessment of Chemicals and Other Environmental Impacts (TRACI 2.1).

Results: The use of mobile phones to read e-books is better in 4 out of 7 impact categories (Acidification Potential, Human Health-Cancer, Human Health–non-Cancer and Ozone Depletion) than reading using traditional textbooks. Reading traditional books is better in 2 out of 7 impact categories (Eutrophication and Freshwater Ecotoxicity). Global warming potential has comparable values between reading in print and in e-book format.

Conclusion: Depending on the impact assessment of concern, reading either with the use of mobile phones or printed textbooks would give a better impact. It is also suggested to create hybrid activities that could model scenarios using both printed and soft copies of textbooks.