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methodologies tend to be more diverse in the impacts and issues they address, as
well as in the use of more qualitative elements and inputs.
• National-level methods tend to focus on the use of input/output analysis or materials fl ows analysis; whereas sector- or product-level methodologies tend to
focus on life cycle approaches or “beyond LCA
11 ” approaches.
• While the hybrid funding (i.e., a combination of both public and private funding)
appears to be dominant among the methodologies, there is no common model
that can be attributed to any of the three methodology levels.
3.4 Case Studies
In order to provide some perspective on all of the attributes of hotspots analysis
(HSA) covered so far in this chapter, a few HSA case studies have been selected to
illustrate and elaborate the different types of hotspots analysis methodologies being
used. In the examples given below, we will provide a brief description of the HSA
methodology that was/is being applied and the salient features of the methodology.
Table 12.2 (see Sect. 3.4.4 ) provides additional information on various aspects of
HSA from development and application to stakeholder engagement. These example
hotspots analysis methodologies were chosen to help visualize the range and variability/
diversity in scope and scale of hotspots analysis from approach to application. It is
not the authors’ intention to convey that these HSA methodologies are superior or
preferred to any other HSA methodologies available.
3.4.1 Association of Home Appliances Manufacturers (AHAM)
AHAM utilizes hotspots analysis as the main tool to identify and prioritize life cycle
sustainability impacts that would be addressed in its resultant product sustainability
standards. Since 2010, AHAM has been utilizing hotspots analysis on several
products including: refrigeration appliances, clothes washers, cooking ranges,
dishwashers, as well as a range of portable and fl oor care appliances.
AHAM’s hotspots analysis methodology seeks to identify the most signifi cant environmental, social and governance impacts across the life cycles of these products.
This process is overseen by a task force comprising: AHAM, its standards development
partners (UL Environment and the CSA Group), a range of appliance manufacturers,
experts with signifi cant product or relevant industry experience, as well as its
sustainability consultant – PE INTERNATIONAL (now re-branded as thinkstep).
11 In the use of the term “beyond LCA” the authors mean that hotspots analysis, as a complementary tool, is able to expand upon the scope and range of impacts that may be identifi ed via life cycle
assessment (as encompassed by environmental life cycle assessment, social life cycle assessment
and life cycle costing). “Beyond LCA” should not be interpreted as better than or superior to life
cycle assessment. LCA and hotspots analysis are in fact complementary tools with their own
strengths and limitations.
12 Hotspots Analysis: Providing the Focus for Action
methodologies tend to be more diverse in the impacts and issues they address, as
well as in the use of more qualitative elements and inputs.
• National-level methods tend to focus on the use of input/output analysis or materials fl ows analysis; whereas sector- or product-level methodologies tend to
focus on life cycle approaches or “beyond LCA
11 ” approaches.
• While the hybrid funding (i.e., a combination of both public and private funding)
appears to be dominant among the methodologies, there is no common model
that can be attributed to any of the three methodology levels.
3.4 Case Studies
In order to provide some perspective on all of the attributes of hotspots analysis
(HSA) covered so far in this chapter, a few HSA case studies have been selected to
illustrate and elaborate the different types of hotspots analysis methodologies being
used. In the examples given below, we will provide a brief description of the HSA
methodology that was/is being applied and the salient features of the methodology.
Table 12.2 (see Sect. 3.4.4 ) provides additional information on various aspects of
HSA from development and application to stakeholder engagement. These example
hotspots analysis methodologies were chosen to help visualize the range and variability/
diversity in scope and scale of hotspots analysis from approach to application. It is
not the authors’ intention to convey that these HSA methodologies are superior or
preferred to any other HSA methodologies available.
3.4.1 Association of Home Appliances Manufacturers (AHAM)
AHAM utilizes hotspots analysis as the main tool to identify and prioritize life cycle
sustainability impacts that would be addressed in its resultant product sustainability
standards. Since 2010, AHAM has been utilizing hotspots analysis on several
products including: refrigeration appliances, clothes washers, cooking ranges,
dishwashers, as well as a range of portable and fl oor care appliances.
AHAM’s hotspots analysis methodology seeks to identify the most signifi cant environmental, social and governance impacts across the life cycles of these products.
This process is overseen by a task force comprising: AHAM, its standards development
partners (UL Environment and the CSA Group), a range of appliance manufacturers,
experts with signifi cant product or relevant industry experience, as well as its
sustainability consultant – PE INTERNATIONAL (now re-branded as thinkstep).
11 In the use of the term “beyond LCA” the authors mean that hotspots analysis, as a complementary tool, is able to expand upon the scope and range of impacts that may be identifi ed via life cycle
assessment (as encompassed by environmental life cycle assessment, social life cycle assessment
and life cycle costing). “Beyond LCA” should not be interpreted as better than or superior to life
cycle assessment. LCA and hotspots analysis are in fact complementary tools with their own
strengths and limitations.
12 Hotspots Analysis: Providing the Focus for Action