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The first example concerns the use of agricultural fuels and, in particular, the use of the so-called “biodiesel” in lieu of diesel fuel. The overall environmental impact of this product has been evaluated by examining all quantifiable effects. From an examination of the results, it can concluded that biodiesel is less detrimental than diesel fuel where the greenhouse effect, energy and non renewable raw materials and biodegradability are concerned. On the other hand, where all other aspects are concerned, its effects are equivalent or even more adverse. The second example deals with the evaluation of the impact on the environment of substances meant to replace CFC's both as expanding agents for polyurethane foams and as cooling fluids in air conditioning systems. The use of such subtonics has become necessary to prevent a further reduction in the ozone layer present in the stratosphere.

The assessment of the life-cycle of a product (LCM), which up to a few years ago was a subject restricted to but few specialists, has lately aroused the increasing interest of industry. The reason lies in the fact that LCM promises to be a useful tool in defining many technico-strategic choices made to be in harmony with the environment. This paper regards two examples of use of LCM methodology in FIAT Auto for choosing design-specification materials and for defining the possibilities of employing recycled materials. In the first case, the possibility of using two alternative materials, cast iron and aluminium, is examined for building an engine block. The second case regards the evaluation of the possibility of using recycled materials by studying two alternatives, i.e. either their reutilization on the same component or their “cascade” use on components with less demanding performance requirements.