LCA engels - DEJONG - Hot water tanks

Independent comparative research

In order to gain insight into the environmental impact of its products, DEJONG has carried out an independent life cycle analysis (LCA).
The LCA compares the different stages of the life cycle of a DEJONG hot water tank (stainless steel tank with EPS insulation and PP jacket) with a competitive water heater with identical functionality and capacity (steel enamelled tank with PUR insulation and galvanized steel jacket).

Conclusion: 50% less CO₂ emissions

This study shows that the CO₂ footprint of the DEJONG hot water tank within the entire heating system is less than half of the carbon footprint of the steel tank. In both cases, the consumption of raw materials is the dominant factor.

From raw materials to recycling

The scope of the study is cradle-to-grave, including the impact of raw material extraction and processing, manufacturing processes, transportation
and distribution, use phase, maintenance and end of life. The study was carried out in accordance with the standards ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 and has been assessed by an independent panel of experts.
The animation below describes the different main stages of the study and their impact.

1. Extraction and processing of raw materials + transport

This stage includes the extraction, processing and pre-fabrication of all raw materials required for the production of the hot water tanks. For both tanks, this stage strongly determines the total carbon footprint. The use of steel is the main contributor to this.
The carbon footprint of a DEJONG hot water tank in this stage is much lower than that of the steel tank. Due to the nature of the raw materials (stainless steel) used and the tank design, a DEJONG hot water tank requires far less raw materials. The use of a PP insulation jacket for the DEJONG hot water tank also makes a substantial positive contribution compared to the galvanized steel jacket for the steel tank.

2. Tank production

The manufacturing process of the hot water tank includes pressing, cutting, bending, welding, assembly, testing, insulation and packaging. In the case of the DEJONG hot water tank, the pickling, passivation and rinsing of the tank, including the treatment of the generated waste water, is added to the production process. In the case of the steel tank, enamel coating of the tank is added.
For both tanks, this stage contributes less than 10% to the total carbon footprint during the life cycle. Due to the much lighter design of the DEJONG hot water tank and the lack of an enameling process, the carbon footprint of the DEJONG hot water tank in this stage is lower than that of the steel tank.

3. Distribution to OEM / end user

The fully assembled hot water tank is first shipped to the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) and then as part of a complete hot water system from the OEM to the end user. For the LCA, an equal mix of customers in Western Europe was used for both tanks. The carbon footprint is therefore comparable for the two examined tanks and is less than 10% of the total carbon footprint.

4. On-site use and maintenance

The two compared tanks are identical in capacity, insulation value and heat transfer. As a result, the energy loss of both tanks is also identical. The energy consumption is allocated to the complete system, so that the LCA in this stage only focuses on the maintenance of the hot water tanks. Due to the use of an anode in the steel tank that must be periodically replaced, the steel tank requires more maintenance. This is reflected in the carbon footprint of the steel tank.

5. Recycling and waste processing (End of Life)

At the end of their life, the collection of the hot water tanks is almost entirely carried out by professional installers or employees of a demolition company. We assume that 100% of the tanks are processed by waste processors who recycle an important part of the raw materials. This applies to both the DEJONG hot water tank and the steel tank. Within the LCA, the so-called “recycled content” method has been chosen in which the raw materials contain a certain proportion of recycled material, but the recycling itself is allocated to the carbon footprint of the product. The contribution to the carbon footprint of this stage is less than 5% for both tanks.

LIFE CYCLE ANALYSIS