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.
Highlights
Sustainability, carbon footprints and low-emission products are increasingly demanded by society [1,2]
After a detailed examination of the content, we found that a majority of the publications used their surveys to: obtain primary data especially for LCA [11,12,13], to understand and set up relevance and ranking of indicators, e.g., midpoint indicators in LCA [14,15,16], to explicitly implement a Social Life Cycle Assessment [11,17], or to make decisions in the automotive sector regarding sustainability assessment indicators [18,19]
The Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA)-framework has been implemented, even though it is less used than the LCA; the challenges defined in the literature are explicit among the contacted experts—which verifies the hypothesis
Summary
Sustainability, carbon footprints and low-emission products are increasingly demanded by society [1,2]. Producers and suppliers, it is evident that customers in particular [3] are increasingly broaching the subject of sustainability and expect detailed and well-founded statements on products, services and their corresponding life cycles. A Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) is considered to be a valuable support for stakeholders and interested third parties with regard to sustainability assessments, footprints, emission optimization [4], and for communication to customers. The currently applied LCSA framework extends the scope of the known Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The reviewed LCSA studies called for improvements in application, interpretation and communication, without clear indications of what those improvements might be [7]
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