cycle and other system-based or non-life cycle methodologies might offer interesting potentials towards a robust and practical assessment with a
multi-dimensional perspective [2]. Nevertheless, scarce and scattered information is
available on this type of integrative approaches.
LCA and other system-based approaches (e.g., technological innovation systems
analysis, policy and market analysis, and design and analysis of user needs) provide
clues about the environmental, economic and social nature of current and future
industrial systems. Material flow analysis, cost-benefit analysis, energy systems
modelling and multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) tools such as data envelopment analysis (DEA) are also among the methodologies that have already been
used in combination with life cycle approaches [3]. However, because each of the
methods separately is likely to provide different observations and conclusions, the
development of harmonised approaches and guidance for technical innovation is
required. Within this context, further discussion on both potentials and limitations
concerning the use of hybrid approaches is needed.
2 Current Activities in Life Cycle-Based
Multi-dimensional Assessment
During the LCM2017 conference held in Luxembourg, a number of
multi-dimensional approaches including a life cycle perspective were addressed.
The main methodological frameworks are summarised below:
– Life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA) to comprehensively assess the
relation and trade-offs between environmental, social and economic impacts
under circular economy and industrial ecology principles. Current advances
include the use of open space workshops and the combination with agent-based
modelling.
– Environmental techno-economic assessment through the integration of LCA and
techno-economic assessment. For instance, this could be applied to thoroughly
assess a technology from the first stages of development until its industrial
commercialisation.
– Development of new LCA tools for environmental optimisation and implementation in biddings, thereby integrating environmental impact budgeting into
decision-making processes.
– Combination of life cycle approaches with DEA for sustainability benchmarking
of multiple similar entities. The so-called LC + DEA concept benefits from the
availability of different life cycle approaches (LCA, CFP, emergy analysis, etc.)
and numerous DEA models. In this respect, the novel use of the SBM-Max
model combined with LCA has recently been proposed for the gradual operational and environmental benchmarking in terms of continuous improvement.
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J. Berlin and D. Iribarren
multi-dimensional perspective [2]. Nevertheless, scarce and scattered information is
available on this type of integrative approaches.
LCA and other system-based approaches (e.g., technological innovation systems
analysis, policy and market analysis, and design and analysis of user needs) provide
clues about the environmental, economic and social nature of current and future
industrial systems. Material flow analysis, cost-benefit analysis, energy systems
modelling and multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) tools such as data envelopment analysis (DEA) are also among the methodologies that have already been
used in combination with life cycle approaches [3]. However, because each of the
methods separately is likely to provide different observations and conclusions, the
development of harmonised approaches and guidance for technical innovation is
required. Within this context, further discussion on both potentials and limitations
concerning the use of hybrid approaches is needed.
2 Current Activities in Life Cycle-Based
Multi-dimensional Assessment
During the LCM2017 conference held in Luxembourg, a number of
multi-dimensional approaches including a life cycle perspective were addressed.
The main methodological frameworks are summarised below:
– Life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA) to comprehensively assess the
relation and trade-offs between environmental, social and economic impacts
under circular economy and industrial ecology principles. Current advances
include the use of open space workshops and the combination with agent-based
modelling.
– Environmental techno-economic assessment through the integration of LCA and
techno-economic assessment. For instance, this could be applied to thoroughly
assess a technology from the first stages of development until its industrial
commercialisation.
– Development of new LCA tools for environmental optimisation and implementation in biddings, thereby integrating environmental impact budgeting into
decision-making processes.
– Combination of life cycle approaches with DEA for sustainability benchmarking
of multiple similar entities. The so-called LC + DEA concept benefits from the
availability of different life cycle approaches (LCA, CFP, emergy analysis, etc.)
and numerous DEA models. In this respect, the novel use of the SBM-Max
model combined with LCA has recently been proposed for the gradual operational and environmental benchmarking in terms of continuous improvement.
314
J. Berlin and D. Iribarren