163
S-LCA. In fact, in most cases hotspots analysis can be the initial step to identify and
prioritize sustainability impacts at pre-competitive/pre cursor level, support
decision- making and also obtain stakeholder engagement and validation. In some
cases, where available, existing LCAs (both data and information) are used as input
into the hotspots analyses. The second step could be to conduct LCA, S-LCA, LCC
(depending on the scope) to quantify impacts and further support decision-making,
comparison and improvement at greater accuracy based on primary/secondary data
and models. HSA allows initial scoping, identifi cation and prioritization, while
LCA, LCC and S-LCA may be used to engage in a more in-depth analysis and
perhaps to validate the outcomes of HSA.
Table 12.3 compares hotspots analysis with ISO 14040 series basedenvironmental LCA, S-LCA and LCC across various indicators such as: level of
stakeholder engagement, types of sustainability impacts covered, ease of use and
type of approach (i.e., qualitative vs. quantitative).
5 Key Observations
Within the UNEP/SETAC Flagship Project 3a report (Barthel et al. 2014 ) some
general observations were made with regard to the hotspots analysis methodologies
analyzed therein. Several of these observations are discussed below.
5.1 Audience and Application
Existing hotspots analysis methodologies are being developed with a number of
audiences and sustainability-based applications in mind. Some studies are being
used to help government policy-makers to focus voluntary agreements or action
plans with industry in areas where sustainability hotspots have been identifi ed. For
Table 12.3 Comparison of hotspots analysis with LCA, LCC and S-LCA
Methodology
Stakeholder
engagement
Potential impact
coverage
Ease of
use
Approach
Qual.
Quant.
Hotspots analysis
∎∎∎
$✠◆
++
✓
✓
Life cycle assessment
(i.e., ISO 14040)
∎∎
+
✓
Social life cycle
assessment (Adapted from
ISO 14040 series)
∎∎
✠
+
✓
✓
Life cycle costing studies
∎
$
+
✓
∎∎∎Full engagement and pilot testing; ∎∎Moderate engagement throughout the process; ∎Limited
phases of engagement; $Economic;
Environment; ◆Governance; ✠ Social; +++ Easy; ++
Moderate; + Diffi cult
12 Hotspots Analysis: Providing the Focus for Action
S-LCA. In fact, in most cases hotspots analysis can be the initial step to identify and
prioritize sustainability impacts at pre-competitive/pre cursor level, support
decision- making and also obtain stakeholder engagement and validation. In some
cases, where available, existing LCAs (both data and information) are used as input
into the hotspots analyses. The second step could be to conduct LCA, S-LCA, LCC
(depending on the scope) to quantify impacts and further support decision-making,
comparison and improvement at greater accuracy based on primary/secondary data
and models. HSA allows initial scoping, identifi cation and prioritization, while
LCA, LCC and S-LCA may be used to engage in a more in-depth analysis and
perhaps to validate the outcomes of HSA.
Table 12.3 compares hotspots analysis with ISO 14040 series basedenvironmental LCA, S-LCA and LCC across various indicators such as: level of
stakeholder engagement, types of sustainability impacts covered, ease of use and
type of approach (i.e., qualitative vs. quantitative).
5 Key Observations
Within the UNEP/SETAC Flagship Project 3a report (Barthel et al. 2014 ) some
general observations were made with regard to the hotspots analysis methodologies
analyzed therein. Several of these observations are discussed below.
5.1 Audience and Application
Existing hotspots analysis methodologies are being developed with a number of
audiences and sustainability-based applications in mind. Some studies are being
used to help government policy-makers to focus voluntary agreements or action
plans with industry in areas where sustainability hotspots have been identifi ed. For
Table 12.3 Comparison of hotspots analysis with LCA, LCC and S-LCA
Methodology
Stakeholder
engagement
Potential impact
coverage
Ease of
use
Approach
Qual.
Quant.
Hotspots analysis
∎∎∎
$✠◆
++
✓
✓
Life cycle assessment
(i.e., ISO 14040)
∎∎
+
✓
Social life cycle
assessment (Adapted from
ISO 14040 series)
∎∎
✠
+
✓
✓
Life cycle costing studies
∎
$
+
✓
∎∎∎Full engagement and pilot testing; ∎∎Moderate engagement throughout the process; ∎Limited
phases of engagement; $Economic;
Environment; ◆Governance; ✠ Social; +++ Easy; ++
Moderate; + Diffi cult
12 Hotspots Analysis: Providing the Focus for Action