12
In this context, LCA as an ISO standardized analysis is just one decision-making
tool used to assess and identify the environmental aspects and potential environmental impacts of a product over its life cycle (ISO 2006a , b ). Life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA) is the combination of LCA, life cycle costing (LCC) and
social life cycle assessment (SLCA) to assess the three dimensions of sustainability
for products (Finkbeiner et al. 2010 ; Klöpffer 2008 ; UNEP 2011 ). In addition,
also other tools such as material fl ow analysis (MFA), input–output analysis
2 and
environmental risk assessment (ERA) are used by organizations to address their
sustainability challenges.
LCM allows organizations to put life cycle thinking into modern business
practice by using these tools. However, LCM is also about the systematic integration
of product sustainability in company strategy and planning, product design
and development, purchasing decisions and communication programs (Remmen
et al. 2007 ).
A particular aspect of LCM is the question of who has which responsibilities in
the product life cycle with regard to sustainability and who can do what under which
circumstances. Evidently a retailer like Wal-Mart has more power to initiate change
within the supply chain than for instance a supplier of automotive parts. Furthermore,
the existence of sector wide collaborations like the Global e-Sustainability Initiative
(GeSI) shows that there is space for joint work of companies of one sectors to
address supply chain challenges, which in the case of GeSI have been addressed for
instance by E-TASC (Electronics – Tool for Accountable Supply Chains), which a
web-based tool utilized by companies to manage their own factories, communicate
with their customers and assess their suppliers on corporate responsibility risks.
A related facet of life cycle (sustainability) management is how it is embedded in
sustainable consumption and production (SCP) policies. SCP is understood as the
“The use of services and related products, which respond to basic needs and bring a
better quality of life while minimizing the use of natural resources and toxic materials as well as the emissions of waste and pollutants over the life cycle of the service
or product so as not to jeopardize the needs of future generations” (Norwegian
Ministry of the Environment 1994 ). It means that SCP is a holistic approach that has
at its core a life cycle perspective, which is the attitude of becoming mindful of how
everyday life has an impact on the environment and society.
According to UNEP ( 2012 ), SCP focuses on the sustainable and effi cient management of resources at all stages of value chains of goods and services encourages
the development of processes that use fewer resources and generate less waste,
including hazardous substances, while yielding environmental benefi ts and frequently productivity and economic gains. Such improvements can also increase the
competitiveness of enterprises, turning solutions for sustainability challenge into
business, employment and export opportunities. SCP also encourages capturing and
reusing or recycling valuable resources, thereby turning waste streams into value
2 See “LCA Compendium”, volume “Special Types of Life Cycle Assessment” (editor: Matthias
Finkbeiner), chapter 6 “Input–output and Hybrid LCA” by Shinichiro Nakamura and Keisuke
Nansai.
G. Sonnemann et al.
In this context, LCA as an ISO standardized analysis is just one decision-making
tool used to assess and identify the environmental aspects and potential environmental impacts of a product over its life cycle (ISO 2006a , b ). Life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA) is the combination of LCA, life cycle costing (LCC) and
social life cycle assessment (SLCA) to assess the three dimensions of sustainability
for products (Finkbeiner et al. 2010 ; Klöpffer 2008 ; UNEP 2011 ). In addition,
also other tools such as material fl ow analysis (MFA), input–output analysis
2 and
environmental risk assessment (ERA) are used by organizations to address their
sustainability challenges.
LCM allows organizations to put life cycle thinking into modern business
practice by using these tools. However, LCM is also about the systematic integration
of product sustainability in company strategy and planning, product design
and development, purchasing decisions and communication programs (Remmen
et al. 2007 ).
A particular aspect of LCM is the question of who has which responsibilities in
the product life cycle with regard to sustainability and who can do what under which
circumstances. Evidently a retailer like Wal-Mart has more power to initiate change
within the supply chain than for instance a supplier of automotive parts. Furthermore,
the existence of sector wide collaborations like the Global e-Sustainability Initiative
(GeSI) shows that there is space for joint work of companies of one sectors to
address supply chain challenges, which in the case of GeSI have been addressed for
instance by E-TASC (Electronics – Tool for Accountable Supply Chains), which a
web-based tool utilized by companies to manage their own factories, communicate
with their customers and assess their suppliers on corporate responsibility risks.
A related facet of life cycle (sustainability) management is how it is embedded in
sustainable consumption and production (SCP) policies. SCP is understood as the
“The use of services and related products, which respond to basic needs and bring a
better quality of life while minimizing the use of natural resources and toxic materials as well as the emissions of waste and pollutants over the life cycle of the service
or product so as not to jeopardize the needs of future generations” (Norwegian
Ministry of the Environment 1994 ). It means that SCP is a holistic approach that has
at its core a life cycle perspective, which is the attitude of becoming mindful of how
everyday life has an impact on the environment and society.
According to UNEP ( 2012 ), SCP focuses on the sustainable and effi cient management of resources at all stages of value chains of goods and services encourages
the development of processes that use fewer resources and generate less waste,
including hazardous substances, while yielding environmental benefi ts and frequently productivity and economic gains. Such improvements can also increase the
competitiveness of enterprises, turning solutions for sustainability challenge into
business, employment and export opportunities. SCP also encourages capturing and
reusing or recycling valuable resources, thereby turning waste streams into value
2 See “LCA Compendium”, volume “Special Types of Life Cycle Assessment” (editor: Matthias
Finkbeiner), chapter 6 “Input–output and Hybrid LCA” by Shinichiro Nakamura and Keisuke
Nansai.
G. Sonnemann et al.