The NRPCES – New Replacement Policy Considering Environment Sustainability – project proposes the development of a decision-making methodology for the replacement of industrial equipment that is data-driven, scientifically grounded, and environmentally sustainable. Large-scale infrastructures may have long life cycles, consuming significant energy and economic resources from production through operation, maintenance, and decommissioning. The proposed approach aims to reduce the total cost of ownership and increase equipment reliability, promoting more efficient and sustainable replacement decisions.

The Portuguese case study focuses on the Leixões railway line, comparing the environmental impact of condition-based maintenance strategies with traditional periodic maintenance. The assessment applies internationally recognized methodologies, such as Life Cycle Assessment (LCA – ISO 14040:2006 and ISO 14044), Life Cycle Costing (LCC), and Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA), with the main goal of quantifying the environmental, economic, and social impacts of the strategies under analysis.

Circular economy principles are also considered, namely material circularity strategies, with the aim of reinforcing sustainability throughout the life cycle of the railway infrastructure.

Asset Description: The Leixões line, approximately 20.9 km long, connects Porto-Campanhã and Leixões stations. Inaugurated in 1938, it crosses densely urbanized areas and is a strategic axis for freight transport. After passenger service ceased in 1966, it was resumed in February 2025.