From a critical review to a conceptual framework for integrating the criticality of resources into Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment

Abstract

The importance of integrating resources criticality assessment into Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) under the Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) framework has been discussed for some time. However, the question how to proceed towards integration remain unclear. Only very few work is published on this issue and to our knowledge only Schneider et al. (2014) have developed one operational model. In this paper we review existing literature critically and explain why integration is important and how it could be done, using knowledge from outside the LCA field. The criticality assessment method proposed by Graedel et al. (2012) is identified as the best starting point. This paper shows based on a critical review why bridging towards such a method could help addressing criticality in LCSA, what are possible options and which research needs exists. It reveals that currently LCA does not adequately cover resource criticality and that methods like Graedel et al. (2012) are inspiring further development of LCA; both approaches have a complementary nature and hence could be developed towards integration within the LCSA framework. Currently resource indicators are not meaningful in LCA, wherefore there is no consensus in LCA community on what to recommend; hence the Area of Protection Natural Resources needs to be rethought. Broadening the scope of LCA towards LCSA provides a conceptual framework to keep LCA relevant for assessing sustainability challenges like access to resources.