Life Cycle Assessment Databases Research Articles

Assessing social risks in Greek and Dutch economies: A product social impact life cycle assessment approach

Abstract Purpose Input–output tables describe monetary relationships between producers and consumers within an economy and have been used to assess the effects on job creation and gross domestic product (GDP). The objective of this study was to apply the social life cycle assessment (S-LCA) to assess direct social risks in national economies and explore whether S-LCA can replace or support beyond-GDP metrics. Methods S-LCA was applied in three ways. First, a hotspot assessment was conducted using the Product Social Impact Life Cycle Assessment (PSILCA) database to assess the direct social risks of monetary outputs of the Dutch and Greek economies in 2018. Classification 1 regarded the comparison of the Dutch and Greek economies based on direct social risks classified as Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Classification 2 grouped the calculated social risks into sub-sub-topics of the European Corporate Sustainability Reporting Standards (CSRS) directive. In each classification, the calculated risks were normalized by the total monetary output of the national economy. Results and discussion This study showed that the Dutch economy results in lower normalized risk values for all S-LCA stakeholders and impact subcategories, except for “Respect of indigenous rights” and “Health and safety (Workers).” The main contributing parameters were sectorial monetary output and the risk levels of the indicators. Classification 1 showed that using input–output tables and PSILCA to simplify the calculation of SDGs was partially successful, because the SDGs also consider environmental aspects and PSILCA is limited to social aspects. Classification 2 showed that the Greek economy resulted in higher normalized risk values than the Dutch economy for almost all sub-sub-topics of the CSRS. Conclusions The results indicate that input–output tables can be extended to incorporate social dimensions with S-LCA and PSILCA. However, the nature of the SDGs means that S-LCA is not capable of simplifying the evaluation of countries’ societal progress, but S-LCA combined with PSILCA can assist national governments in taking targeted actions to reach SDG targets and enforce European CSRS directive compliance in the most impactful economic sectors for social performance monitoring and reporting.

A socio-economic assessment of an emerging technology in the mining industry

Abstract Purpose This article provides methodological insights to evaluate the socio-economic risk of an emerging froth flotation technology for the mining sector with the goal of guiding the design and development process. This technology is used to separate valuable particles based on surface properties among minerals and, if properly developed, could be used to valorize fine particles that currently existing technology cannot separate and thus become waste material. Methods The Social Hotspot assessment utilized the Product Social Impact Life Cycle Assessment (PSILCA) database to analyze social hotspots in the relevant industrial sector. In addition, a survey captured the viewpoints of technology developers regarding additional potential social risk and opportunities. The final results were defined by combining these two analyses, conducted according to the 2020 UNEP guidelines for Social Life Cycle Assessment of Products and Organizations. For the economic assessment, the Material Flow Cost Accounting (MFCA) methodology (ISO14051) was applied, considering material costs, system costs, energy costs, and waste management costs for both the current situation and a future industrial-scale scenario. Results and discussion The study emphasizes the importance of tailoring methodological approaches for case studies involving low Technology Readiness Level (TRL) technologies based on available data. The state of technology development has led to different results for the economic and social analyses, primarily due to the difficulty in accurately predicting potential social impacts at this stage. The social analysis identified potential risks and 28 subcategories of impacts across different stakeholder categories. The economic assessment found that energy costs (49%) were the highest contributor to the MFCA cost of the future scenario, followed by system costs (29%). Conclusions and recommendations The study concludes that conducting a socio-economic analysis during the developmental stage of a technology is valuable for identifying critical hotspots that require monitoring, effectively guiding the research and development phase. This application represents a unique case in the mining sector and could be a first step in defining a methodological approach suitable for low TRL technologies. Analyzing both social and economic risks provides a more comprehensive perspective on sustainability, complementing environmental risk assessments.

Generic and site-specific social life cycle assessment of municipal wastewater treatment systems in Spain: challenges and limitations of the method when applied to resource recovery systems

Abstract Purpose This work aims to provide insights on the application of social life cycle assessment (S-LCA) in evaluating the social impacts associated with municipal wastewater treatment (WWT). The study assesses the social risks and social performance of two municipal WWT systems in Catalonia, Spain: a conventional wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) (Reference System) and a novel system that recovers water and other valuable resources (Novel System). Methods S-LCA was conducted at Generic and Site-Specific levels using 1 m3 of wastewater treatment as the functional unit (FU). The Generic assessment was conducted via the Product Social Impact Life Cycle Assessment (PSILCA) database, while the Site-Specific assessment employed the Subcategory Assessment Method (SAM) with four-level reference scales to assess the social performance of the WWTP operator and its first-tier suppliers. Furthermore, activity variables were calculated based on organizations’ shares in the total costs per FU, and the Novel System’s multifunctionality was solved through economic allocation. Results were aggregated by (i) assigning equal weights to organizations and (ii) factoring in organizations’ weights and the allocation factor, leading to results per FU. Results and discussion The Generic analysis results indicated that the Novel System entailed fewer social risks than the Reference System. Most social risks in both systems occurred in the subcategories “Access to material resources,” “Fair salary,” “Freedom of association and collective bargaining,” “Contribution to economic development,” and “Corruption.” In the Site-Specific assessment, the Novel System presented better social performance than the Reference System per 1 m3 of wastewater treatment. The latter’s performance per FU did not meet the basic requirement in four out of eleven subcategories, mainly due to the performance and weight of a chemical supplier. Allocation greatly benefitted the Novel System’s results per FU compared to the results obtained when equal weights were applied. Conclusions Activity variables were used to connect organizations’ conduct with particular WWT systems, and multifunctionality was solved. This approach allowed for obtaining results per FU at both assessment levels. However, social performance was also evaluated by calculating the average social performance of each system without considering activity variables and the FU, leading to different results. The social performance of the Novel System per FU was satisfactory across all subcategories but required improvement in four subcategories based on the average results. Given the limitations of using activity variables and allocation in S-LCA, further research is necessary to appropriately evaluate and compare the social effects of novel resource recovery systems.

Where is my footprint located? Estimating the geographical variance of hybrid LCA footprints

AbstractCurrent implementations of hybrid life cycle assessment (LCA) mostly do not fully exploit valuable information from multi‐regional input–output databases by aggregating regional supply chains to the lower geographical resolution of process LCA databases. We propose a method for sampling the various individual regions within the aggregated regional scope of LCA processes. This sampling maximizes the information content of hybrid LCA footprint results by preserving the regional variance, and it allows for regional price distributions from BACI/UN‐COMTRADE international trade statistics to be used to simultaneously improve the accuracy of the hybrid model. This work makes the previously hidden regional and price variance explicit and analyzes uncertainty of the hybrid carbon (global warming potential 100, GWP100) and land use footprints arising from these variances, both separately and in combination. We find that the median process footprint intensity increases by for the GWP100 due to hybridization, and for the land use footprint. Results show that the magnitude of the footprint uncertainty strongly depends on the product sector of the LCA process and environmental impact considered. In a case study of Swiss household consumption, we find truncation error estimates of for the GWP100 and for the land use footprint. Our results highlight the importance of regionalization of process LCA databases, as it has the potential to significantly improve both the precision and accuracy of derived hybrid LCA models. This article met the requirements for a gold/gold JIE data openness badge described at http://jie.click/badges.

Broaden sustainable design and optimization of decarbonized campus Energy systems with scope 3 emissions accounting and social ramification analysis

A holistic approach that considers economic, environmental, and social dimensions is crucial for informed and responsible decision-making in energy system decarbonization. Integrating techno-economic, environmental, and social perspectives, we propose a multi-objective optimization framework for the sustainable design of decarbonized campus energy systems, resonating with the tri-fold principles of Corporate Social Responsibility. This comprehensive approach reveals the techno-economic intricacies inherent in adopting renewable solutions to accommodate cooling, heat, and power demand on university campuses. Our proposed model endeavors to minimize both total annualized costs and the broader spectrum of emissions (Scope 1, 2, and 3) in pursuit of environmental justice. Meanwhile, by merging life cycle assessment (LCA) with economic input-output analysis based on established social LCA databases, we can gauge the potential social impacts associated with these sustainability initiatives. The results serve as a roadmap for designing and operating truly sustainable campus energy systems, pinpointing environmental concerns, suggesting remedial strategies, and spotlighting the resultant social consequences. To showcase the tangible applicability of this holistic modeling framework, we have used real-world data from the main campus of Cornell University, Ithaca, New York State, to develop a case study. Our results show that with a plentiful biogas supply, it is possible to reduce yearly GHG emissions by more than 70%. Even when procurement emissions are left out, Scope 3 emissions still represent 69–82% of the total GHG emissions, dominated by the transportation sector. Turning to sustainable transport options, such as electric vehicles (EVs), can markedly lower these figures. On the socio-economic front, ramping up geothermal drilling could intensify negative social consequences, such as risk of forced labor, conflicts, accidents, and natural disasters, by 29%. These are primarily due to safety issues and the labor demands of earth source heat site preparation, encompassing risks such as forced labor and accidents. As the push for energy decarbonization grows stronger, it is imperative to weigh these downsides against the broader social benefits.

Social risks assessment of the supply chain of an aluminium semi-finished profile for window

Abstract Purpose Aluminium is among the most energy-intensive industries in the world and is produced from mining operations in bauxite mines. The effects on the environment of the entire aluminium supply chain, especially mining, also entail social risks. This article aims to understand the potential social risks along the supply chain of aluminium by focusing on a semi-finished frame for windows through the use of the Product Social Impact Life Cycle Assessment (PSILCA) database. Method Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA) was implemented by following the Social Life Cycle Assessment of Products And Organizations 2020, to analyse the potential social risks and opportunities associated with the aluminium sector. Specifically, the PSILCA database, designed for S-LCA, was used to evaluate the background processes of the aluminium supply chain of an Italian company specialized in surface treatment of aluminium semi-finished products used in the production of doors and windows. Results The primary social risks manifest in the background processes. Comparing these findings with the literature review, it is straightforward to attribute them to the mining phase of bauxite, which constitutes the initial stage in aluminium production and occurs in various regions globally. Specifically, the highest social risk is associated with “Corruption in the public sector”, likely linked to Italy. Additionally, the study reveals a positive impact in terms of “Contribution to economic development” as also revealed by the literature review. Conclusions An analysis of the potential social risks within the aluminium supply chain was provided, addressing the research gap between the utilization of S-LCA methodology and its application within the sector. Additionally, the PSILCA database was employed for investigating the background processes in the case study. However, a social performance assessment using primary data would be required to enhance the representation of the evaluated production system.

Sustainable food choices require product-specific environmental footprints: The case of packaged food in Australia

The current food system is a major driver of global environmental change. Despite significant research interest in the environmental impacts of alternative diets, most studies estimate the effects of dietary shifts based on assumed changes in the consumption of raw agricultural commodities instead of simulating changes in the actual food and beverages consumed. In response to increasing consumer demand for product-specific health and sustainability labelling on packaged food products, it is necessary to develop robust environmental footprinting approaches to estimate the environmental impacts of foods and beverages available through retail outlets. This study quantifies the environmental impacts of 63,926 packaged food products in Australian supermarkets across five indicators including greenhouse gas emissions, land use, water use, acidification, and eutrophication potential. We integrated cradle-to-retail environmental estimates from life cycle assessment databases with ingredient proportions derived through a linear programming algorithm to measure product-specific impacts. Meat products consistently showed the highest impacts across all environmental indicators, while fruits, vegetables, plant-based meat alternatives, and non-alcoholic beverages had the lowest impacts. This study also shows that the dietary environmental footprints of Australian consumers can be significantly reduced by switching from high-impact to low-impact products within the same food category (e.g., meat products). Transitioning from high-impact to low-impact products across all food categories could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 96 %, with synergies across all other environmental indicators. The comprehensive results of this study can empower consumers, producers, and governments to identify context-specific opportunities for improving food system sustainability in Australia.

Mastering complexity in Life Cycle Assessment for product development: Evaluating the impacts of adaptive façades

Adaptive façades, which can manipulate the physical properties of buildings, represent a promising approach to reducing the environmental impacts of buildings, which are usually assessed using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method. However, the inclusion of additional fields of engineering with their corresponding simulation tools and inclusion of additional adaptive components in building designs leads to an increased number of possible design configurations – in the order of several millions – as well as stronger dependencies between the design and the use phase. This paper proposes a workflow to automatically generating, analysing and evaluating LCA results of all potential configurations within a defined parameter space. It combines and processes data from multiple sources, including process-based LCA models, generic LCA databases, and simulation tools. Various methods for combining and analysing the data are provided in the form of parameter sensitivity and statistical evaluations as well as visualisations. Depending on the area of interest, dynamic benchmarks can be derived and visualised. The results can be structured according to the life cycle phases and exported in common spreadsheet formats. This enables comparison to other LCA results and ensures seamless integration in existing reporting structures. The primary beneficiaries are LCA experts who require ex-ante evaluations for (building) products with a large number of potential configurations and complex interactions between the design and use phases. Identifying hotspots and assessing the sensitivity of parameters at an early stage of product development enables product designers to consider environmental aspects and optimise the product in this respect.

The Contribution of Biogas to the Electricity Supply Chain: An Italian Life Cycle Assessment Database

The transition towards energy efficiency measures and green energy sources is strongly fostered by the European Union. Italy is among the EU countries that have heavily invested in renewable energy sources, more than doubling their share in gross final energy consumption. In particular, biogas has a pivotal role in the generation of electricity and can also be upgraded into biomethane, with a higher and more stable energy content. In this study, the sustainability of the supply chain of electricity from biogas in Italy has been thoroughly analyzed in the broader framework of the ARCADIA (Life Cycle Approach in Public Procurement and Italian LCA Database for Resource Efficiency) project. The environmental assessment, carried out by means of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), provides a two-fold perspective. Firstly, it allows us to identify the main hotspots of the investigated system, such as the cultivation of dedicated crops, and to provide useful insights for improving environmental performance. Furthermore, a focus on the modeling of the dataset related to the production of electricity from biogas within the Italian electricity mix represents a step ahead in the LCA research, filling the lack of site-specific databases for reliable LCA results.

Life cycle assessment of lipid production from Pavlova gyrans: Influence of the culture medium composition

Microalgae have been increasingly recognized as an alternative source of lipids, especially polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) such as omega 3 and 6, being essential to carefully assess their life cycle environmental impacts. Hence, this work aims to carry out a life cycle assessment (LCA) of lipid production from the microalga Pavlova gyrans grown in different culture media and nutrient concentrations, on a “cradle-to-gate” approach. For the life cycle inventory, primary data obtained from laboratory experiments was used for the foreground processes, complemented with secondary data from LCA databases and literature for the background processes. The functional unit chosen is 1 g of lipids extracted. For the environmental impact assessment, the ReCiPe 2016 method was used, evaluating 18 midpoint indicators from an egalitarian perspective. An uncertainty estimate was performed using experimental results and the ANOVA statistical test. Results show that the organic fertilizer medium has an overall environmental impact around 1.28 to 2 times lower than the aquaculture effluent medium. Energy is the process hotspot, contributing more than 95%, on average, to the overall potential environmental impact. Alternative renewable energy scenarios were therefore evaluated. Results show that, compared to the electricity mix, renewable energies led to significant reductions in 13 environmental impact categories, such as global warming potential, which decreased by around 70 and 90% respectively for solar and wind energy, but to significant increases in 5 impact categories, such as terrestrial ecotoxicity, which increased by around 231 and 184%, and the mineral resources scarcity, which increased by around 114 and 302% respectively for solar and wind energy. The results of this study can provide valuable information to guide research and development efforts towards more sustainable processes for obtaining lipids from microalgae.

A Research on Determination of Database and Software Tool in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Method: The Sample of Turkish Building Industry

Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a scientific method for quantitatively assessing the environmental, social and economicimpacts associated with a product, process or service throughout its life cycle. It is complex and time-consuming asit requires the processing of a large number of data and assumptions. "LCA databases" and "LCA software tools" arebeing developed to reduce this effort and time. With the increasing interest in the LCA method for the Turkishconstruction industry, the “TLCID” and "TurComDat" databases has been prepared; however, the software tool touse these databases have not yet been developed. This situation reveals the need for a guiding "decision supportmechanism" for the selection of the most appropriate database and software tool to be used. In this study, databasesand software tools were critically reviewed to determine their possible adaptation to the Turkish constructionindustry. It was concluded that the "SimaPro" software tool, which enables international use, and the "Ecoinvent"database supported by the software can be adapted and used with Turkey's energy average and water data. Withthis study, it is aimed to create guiding evaluations for the choices to be made within the scope of LCA.

Sustainable retrofitting for shipping: Assessing LNG dual fuel impact on global warming potential through life cycle assessment

Recently, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) introduced an initial strategy aiming to reduce and ultimately achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. While various research projects on retrofitting have been conducted, there is a noticeable gap in detailed studies concerning emission reduction through liquefied natural gas (LNG) dual-fuel retrofit options. This study assesses the feasibility and environmental impacts of applying LNG dual-fuel retrofit to a 9196 gross tonnage training ship. It explores replacement scenarios of 20 %, 30 %, and 40 % LNG incorporation using life cycle assessment. Additionally, the study employs a life cycle assessment methodology to compare the global warming potential against both the life cycle assessment database and engine emission factors. Over 35 d of operation at a normal continuous rating of 85 % power load, replacing 20 %, 30 %, and 40 % of fuel with LNG resulted in a reduction of global warming potential by approximately 23.1 %, 32.7 %, and 42.3 %, respectively. These results indicate that LNG replacement cases significantly lower emissions related to global warming potential compared to conventional marine diesel oil (MDO) operations, with greater reductions observed at higher replacement percentages. Further investigation revealed significant differences between the results derived from the life cycle assessment database and engine emission factors. However, statistical analyses indicated that both sources exhibit a consistent trend, with p-values in all power load cases exceeding 0.05, indicating no significant interaction term. Despite notable differences, the utilization of life cycle assessment offers high reliability and ease of use, serving as a solid foundation for decision-making regarding sustainable options.

Challenges in life cycle assessment implementation for construction environmental product declaration development: A mixed approach and global perspective

Environmental product declaration (EPD) is a valuable data source for building sustainability assessment. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a critical element of EPD development, and it strongly impacts the reliability of the overall EPD environmental data. The increasing number of published EPDs necessitates a thorough examination of the challenges associated with LCA for EPD development to improve the quality assurance of EPDs. This study applied a mixed research approach, including a systematic literature review, focus group discussion and questionnaire survey to evaluate the challenges in LCA implementation for EPD development. The questionnaire administered to experts from 43 countries globally was analysed using qualitative and quantitative analytical techniques. The analysis showed that 73 % of the respondents are highly concerned about the data quality of LCA in EPD development. The study further revealed twenty-seven (27) significant challenges classified using exploratory factor analysis into seven groups ([1] Data Paucity, [2] Resource-intensive, [3] Data and Research, [4] Knowledge, [5] Methodological Limitations and People, [6] Technology, and [7] Data Integrity). The highly ranked challenges based on mean ranking include “Problems with data availability and quality for LCA”, “Lack of transparency in some of the existing LCA database and tools”, “Lack of country-specific inventory for LCA”, “The complexity and lack of knowledge about the uncertainty of data used in LCA” and “Lack of in-depth understanding and awareness of LCA”. The study also proposed strategies to resolve the challenges and holds vital implications for stakeholders within EPD development. In conclusion, it is observed that LCA for EPD development still faces significant challenges that require a tailored approach to improve the quality of LCA in EPD development.

Greenhouse gas emissions of environmentally sustainable diets: Insights from the Icelandic National Dietary Survey 2019–2021

BackgroundHealth authorities are increasingly integrating environmental sustainability considerations into food-based dietary guidelines. However, concerns persist about the accuracy of the data used to assess environmental impacts, as well as the extent to which these guidelines are followed in practice. AimTo compare dietary greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions estimates using different top-down and bottom-up life cycle assessment (LCA) databases; and to estimate GHG emissions of food consumption within the ranges set for meat and dairy in recently proposed environmentally sustainable diets. MethodsDietary GHG emissions were estimated for participants in the 2019–2021 Icelandic National Dietary Survey (n = 822) using three publicly available LCA databases from Denmark, the US, and France. GHG emissions among participants whose consumption was aligned with the EAT-Lancet diet, the 2021 Danish food-based dietary guidelines and the 2023 Nordic Nutrition Recommendations were also quantified. ResultsThe mean dietary GHG emissions among participants were 6.3, 6.1, and 6.1 kg CO2-eq/day based on the Danish (top-down), US (bottom-up), and French (bottom-up) databases, respectively. The relative ranking of foods was also consistent across all three databases. For example, the relative contribution of total CO2-eq (% range for the three databases) was highest for red meat (39–51%), followed by dairy (10–17%) and beverages (9–13%). The contribution from plant-based foods (6–10%), seafood (4–11%), and poultry/eggs (<5%) was modest. The dietary habits of most participants (86%) were outside the ranges for meat and dairy consumption as set by the three sustainable diets. However, participants reporting consumption within the ranges for meat and dairy had mean GHG emissions ranging between 4.2 and 4.7 kg CO2-eq/day, depending on the diet. In comparison, the mean for participants not adhering to the sustainable diets was 7.7 kg CO2-eq/day. These results are higher than those reported in other Nordic and European studies, likely due to high consumption of lamb, beef, and dairy, and low consumption of plant-based food. ConclusionAll three LCA databases provided similar estimates for total dietary GHG emissions and relative ranking of different food groups. Based on current dietary habits in Iceland, adherence to environmentally sustainable diets would lead to a substantial reduction in dietary GHG emissions.

A BIM-based tool for embodied carbon assessment using a Construction Classification System

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is widely accepted for evaluating a building's environmental footprint. Building Information Modelling (BIM) has become the go-to strategy for LCA during design. Still, despite BIM-LCA automating detailed quantity extraction, challenges persist, such as a lack of standardised geometry modelling and information management, as well as a common language between LCA and BIM data.This study proposes a method to assess embodied carbon from BIM models classified using a construction classification system that provides a data structure, maps BIM objects and environmental impacts in LCA databases, and matches different levels of development (LoD) in BIM models. The method was tested on real-world models, resulting in 375 kgCO2e/m2 for the single residential and 426 kgCO2e/m2 for the multi-residential building. These findings revealed its ability to adapt to different LoD and modelling techniques, expedite assessing different design options, and potentially save up to 20 hours of work remodelling.

Performance evaluation of hybrid fiber reinforced concrete on engineering properties and life cycle assessment: A sustainable approach

Conventional concrete in its existing form possesses characteristics like better compressive strength, density, resistance against moisture and enhanced performance under various exposure conditions like elevated temperature and long-term durability etc. However, some of the shortcomings such as reduced ductility, brittleness can be improved by using additives like fibers to improve its properties. The present study highlights the performance evaluation of engineering properties and life cycle assessment (LCA) of hybrid fiber reinforced concrete (HFRC) incorporating with glass and polypropylene fibers in equal proportions (0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, and 2.0%). In addition to these, impact resistance at first crack phase and post cracking phase i.e., at failure have also been investigated to ascertain the effect of HFRC vs conventional concrete mixes. Sorptivity studies also performed to find its effect on HFRC, and control concrete mixes prepared with and without glass and polypropylene fibers. Reduction in workability of concrete was observed with increase in hybrid fiber content. Superior performance in terms of strength and durability properties was observed at 1% hybrid fiber content. Similarly, this study also focuses on studying the impact of HFRC and conventional concrete on environment using LCA approach. For LCA, SimaPro software and EcoInvent database is used to compare environmental impact assessment of HFRC and conventional concrete mixes. Impact on environment and cost comparison on HFRC mixes exhibits satisfactory results when compared to conventional mix. Finally, this research will address the need for HFRC mixes to achieve their adaptability in construction sector to make concrete economic and environmentally friendly.

Comparison of using two LCA software programs to assess the environmental impacts of two institutional buildings

The current trends in climate change have captured the attention of stakeholders across multiple industries, including the building sector. With the introduction of innovative building materials such as mass timber products (MTPs), it has become essential to evaluate their environmental performance. In response, a variety of life cycle assessment (LCA) software programs are available to meet this need. However, it is crucial to understand how different LCA software and databases might influence the results. This study was aimed at exploring the impact of two widely used LCA software programs, SimaPro and Athena Impact Estimator, on LCA results. Two buildings were employed to conduct this study, a traditional institutional building and a mass timber building currently under construction. By comparing the numerical outputs from both software programs, it was discovered that while both could reach similar conclusions regarding the environmental impacts of a building, their use is limited to comparative purposes only. The software programs produced distinct numerical values in their outputs and attributed the sources of impacts differently, indicating they cannot be used interchangeably. However, either SimaPro or Athena Impact Estimator was suitable for estimating the global warming potential of a building during stages A1 to A3.

Soil organic carbon as an indicator of land use impacts in life cycle assessment

PurposeAnthropogenic activities are a major driver of soil and land degradation. Due to the spatial heterogeneity of soil properties and the global nature of most value chains, the modelling of the impacts of land use on soil quality for application in life cycle assessment (LCA) requires a regionalised assessment with global coverage. This paper proposes an approach to quantify the impacts of land use on soil quality, using changes in soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks as a proxy, following the latest recommendation of the Life Cycle Initiative.MethodsAn operational set of SOC-based characterisation factors for land occupation and land transformation were derived using spatial datasets (1 km resolution) and aggregated at the national and global levels. The developed characterisation factors were tested by means of a case study analysis, investigating the impact on soil quality caused by land use activities necessary to provide three alternative energy supply systems for passenger car transport (biomethane, ethanol, and solar electricity). Results obtained by applying characterisation factors at local, regional, and national levels were compared, to investigate the role of the level of regionalisation on the resulting impacts.Results and discussionGlobal maps of characterisation factors are presented for the 56 land use types commonly used in LCA databases, together with national and global values. Urban and industrial land uses present the highest impacts on SOC stocks, followed by severely degraded pastures and intensively managed arable lands. Instead, values obtained for extensive pastures, flooded crops, and urban green areas often report an increase in SOC stocks. Results show that the ranking of impacts of the three energy systems considered in the case study analysis is not affected by the level of regionalisation of the analysis. In the case of biomethane energy supply, impacts assessed using national characterisation factors are more than double those obtained with local characterisation factors, with less significant differences in the other two cases.ConclusionsThe integration of soil quality aspects in life cycle impact assessment methods is a crucial challenge due to the key role of soil conservation in ensuring food security and environmental protection. This approach allows the quantification of land use impacts on SOC stocks, taken as a proxy of soil quality. Further research needs to improve the assessment of land use impacts in LCA are identified, such as the ability to reflect the effects of agricultural and forestry management practices.

Interventions in Roadway Engineering to Achieve Carbon Neutrality

Abstract As an essential part of the highway ecosystem, road plants can absorb much carbon dioxide emitted by operating vehicles. In this study, road plants’ carbon sequestration capacity and carbon neutralization strategy were quantitatively investigated. Firstly, the structure of the asphalt pavement of the expressway was formulated, and the carbon emissions of asphalt pavement at each stage were calculated and analyzed through construction site data monitoring and reference to the life cycle assessment database. Secondly, combined with the theory of carbon sequestration and oxygen release, quantitative analysis was carried out on the photosynthesis of typical green plants, and the carbon sequestration amount of different plant combinations was calculated. Finally, based on the carbon neutralization goal, the time required to complete the carbon emission neutralization in the construction period was proposed. The results show that different plant types have different carbon sequestration and oxygen release capacity for carbon emissions in the road system, and a reasonable combination of plants can greatly reduce the number of years required to complete carbon emissions during the construction period of unit functional roads. This study has great theoretical significance and practical value for reducing carbon emissions and achieving sustainable development.

Integrating circularity into Life Cycle Assessment: Circularity with a life cycle perspective

With the current efforts on striving towards sustainable development both Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and circularity have become extremely popular, worldwide. Both are addressing sustainability aspects, yet typically applied separately. LCA counts with dedicated tools and databases, while circularity is commonly calculated with simple tools or even just formulas in excel, ignoring the supply chain. This paper presents a combination of LCA and circularity. The Material Circularity Indicator (MCI) and the Circularity Index (CI) are incorporated into openLCA, and the LCA database Ecoinvent is adapted to trace circularity throughout. This allows to track circularity variables across supply chains and apply circularity indicators in LCA models. Results show that the LCA database mostly presents linear systems, with most datasets having a circularity values close to full linearity. Furthermore, investigations over the cradle-to-grave datasets of a Lithium-ion battery show that the amount of virgin material extracted from earth is actually 43 times bigger than the weight of the battery, and that the overall waste produced is 92 times the weight of the battery. Such high values are overlooked in common circularity indicator calculations. This comprehensive framework aims to contribute to the ongoing dialogue surrounding sustainable practices and circular economy integration within LCA.