Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment—A Survey Based Potential Future Development for Implementation and Interpretation

Abstract

The aim of this study is to define, via an online expert survey, current challenges and possible future approaches in and for the implementation, application, and interpretation of the Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA). Using an online survey, sustainability experts from around the world were surveyed over a period of five weeks, resulting in 71 experts answering 25 questions. The experts were invited by e-mail and through networks; the online questionnaire was the preferred survey choice particularly for reasons of time, cost, and the pandemic. The survey evaluation shows that no change in LCSA is needed. Nevertheless, (1) a detailed optional baseline LCSA framework, with pre-selected fixed indicator sets, (2) a supporting optional but unified visualization tool, (3) a clear and transparent communication on assumptions, targets and system boundaries and (4) early defined stakeholders were identified as relevant for further LCSA implementation and interpretation. Due to natural subjectivity, the results of this written survey are to be understood as recommendations for action and orientation, not explicitly as a prediction. Finally, an action outlook for future LCSA-development is given.

Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment of Waste to Energy Systems in the Developing World: A Review

“…when planning sustainable strategies for the electricity or the waste sector. This will assist in making more sustainable decisions for the future [194]. Additionally, governments should use a life cycle approach in decision-and policy-making.…”

“…This will help in identifying hot spots and opportunities for reducing the environmental, economic, and social impacts across the entire electricity supply chain. Governments should also support research into the environmental improvements and impacts of WtE technologies, as well as strengthen laws to limit environmental impacts from electricity production [194]. It is very important that policy-and decision-makers resolve and effect the implementation of WtE policies aimed to overcome challenges from financial, institutional, and technological perspectives [194].…”

Strategien zur Implementierung der Kreislaufwirtschaft beim Bauen mit Beton

“…Die Erstellung von LCSA ist aktuell aufwendig und kostenintensiv. Zudem besteht noch Forschungsbedarf in der konsistenten Erstellung von Sozialbilanzen [2]. Verschiedene Zirkularitätsindikatoren wie der Urban Mining Index [5] geben massebezogen den Anteil an Baustoffen, der wiederwendbar, wiederverwertbar, weiterverwertbar und schließlich nur deponierbar für den Zeitpunkt nach dem ersten Lebenszyklus ist, an, wobei speziell der Urban Mining Index zudem die im Bauprojekt verwendeten Baustoffe anteilig in wiederverwendete, wiederverwertete, erneuerbare, weiterverwendete und nicht erneuerbare Materialien einteilt und so ein hilfreiches Planungstool zur Abschätzung der Zirkularität liefert.…”

“…Um das Wohlergehen des Lebens auf der Erde zu gewährleisten, wurde die Agenda 2030 mit ihren 17 Zielen für nachhaltige Entwicklung im Jahr 2015 von allen UN‐Mitgliedsstaaten verabschiedet [1]. Umfragen zeigen, dass Nachhaltigkeit auch in der Bauindustrie als wichtig empfunden wird, wobei die verschiedenen Interessenvertreter Nachhaltigkeit durchaus unterschiedlich interpretieren [2]. Um Beton nachhaltig einzusetzen, ist ein Umdenken aus linearen Wirtschaftssystemen hin zur Kreislaufwirtschaft (Circular Economy, kurz: CE) nötig [3].…”

Visualization and Interpretation of Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment—Existing Tools and Future Development

“…Nevertheless, the form of presentation used should be easy to understand and use, even for users who are not familiar with the subject matter. This ties into the issue of a common language/understanding, that still needs to be improved for LCSA [2,27].…”