The Safe by Design (SbD) concept aims to ensure the production, use and disposal of materials and products safely. While there is a growing interest in the potential of SbD to support policy... Show moreThe Safe by Design (SbD) concept aims to ensure the production, use and disposal of materials and products safely. While there is a growing interest in the potential of SbD to support policy commitments, such as the EU Green Deal and the Circular Economy Action Plan in Europe, methodological approaches and practical guidelines on SbD are, however, largely missing. The combined use of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Risk Assessment (RA) is considered suitable to operationalize SbD over the whole life-cycle of a product. Here, we explore the potential of the combined use of LCA and RA at Technological Readiness Level (TRL) 1–6. We perform a review of the literature presenting and/or developing approaches that combine LCA and RA at early stages of product design. We identify that basic early-on-evaluations of safety (e.g., apply lifecycle thinking to assess risk hotspots, avoid use of hazardous chemicals, minimize other environmental impacts from chemicals) are more common, while more complex assessments (e.g., ex-ante LCA, control banding, predictive (eco)toxicology) require specialized expertise. The application of these simplified approaches and guidelines aims to avoid some obvious sources of risks and impacts at early stages. Critical gaps need to be addressed for wider application of SbD, including more studies in the product design context, developing tools and databases containing collated information on risk, greater collaboration between RA/LCA researchers and companies, and policy discussion on the expansion from SbD to Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD). Show less
This study presents the first approach to characterise relative land use impacts on pollinator abundance for life cycle assessment (LCA). Pollinators make an essential contribution to global crop... Show moreThis study presents the first approach to characterise relative land use impacts on pollinator abundance for life cycle assessment (LCA). Pollinators make an essential contribution to global crop production and in recent years evidence of declines has raised concerns on how land use, among other factors, affects pollinators. Our novel method assesses land use impacts on pollinator abundance and proposes a new impact category that is compatible with the current framework of life cycle impact assessment (LCIA). While a systematic literature research showed the existence of multiple models that could assess pollinator abundance impacts, their parameterization is too complicated for applications in LCA. Therefore, a simplified method based on expert knowledge is presented. The practical application of the method is illustrated through the connection to, and characterisation of, relevant land use types derived from the widely used LCA database, ecoinvent. The illustrative characterisation factors demonstrate that key differences among land use types can be reflected through the proposed approach. Further development of robust characterisation factors through a larger sample of pollinator abundance estimates, and improvements to the model, such as considerations of spatial differentiation, will contribute to the identification of impacts of agricultural practices in LCA studies, helping prevent further pollinator abundance decline. Show less
Heijungs, R.; Allacker, K.; Benetto, E.; Brandão, M.; Guinée, J.B.; Schaubroeck, S.; ... ; Zamagni, A. 2021
Starting from a lack of consensus on how to consistently assess abiotic resource use in life cycle assessment, a structured approach was developed to enable a classification of perspectives on... Show moreStarting from a lack of consensus on how to consistently assess abiotic resource use in life cycle assessment, a structured approach was developed to enable a classification of perspectives on resource use, based on the so-called role of resources. Using this classification, this paper focusses on analysing links between perspectives and modelling concepts, i.e. the conceptual implementation. To analyse the modelling concepts for a selection of existing LCIA methods and other modelling approaches, the concept of the system model is introduced. It defines the relevant inventory flows to be assessed by the LCIA method, and, at the same time, to be considered in the characterization model, and how the flows and stocks of resources used to calculate the characterization factors are positioned in relation to environment (nature) and economy (technosphere). For consistency, they should be aligned with the position of inventory flows and, at the same time, reflect the perspective on resources taken by the method. Using this concept, we critically review a selection of methods and other modelling approaches for consistency with the perspectives on resource use, as well as for their internal consistency. As a result of the analysis, we highlight inconsistencies and discuss ways to improve links between perspectives and modelling concepts. To achieve this, the new framework can be used for the development or improvement of LCIA methods on resource use. Show less
Oers, L.F.C.M. van; Guinée, J.B.; Heijungs, R. 2020
Purpose In 1995, the original method for assessing the impact category abiotic resource depletion using abiotic depletion potentials (ADPs) was published. The ADP of a resource was defined as the... Show morePurpose In 1995, the original method for assessing the impact category abiotic resource depletion using abiotic depletion potentials (ADPs) was published. The ADP of a resource was defined as the ratio of the annual production and the square of the ultimate (crustal content based) reserve for the resource divided by the same ratio for a reference resource (antimony (Sb)). In 2002, ADPs were updated based on the most recent USGS annual production data. In addition, the impact category was sub-divided into two categories, using two sets of ADPs: the ADP for fossil fuels and the ADP for elements; in this article, we focus on the ADP for elements. Since then, ADP values have not been updated anymore despite the availability of updates of annual production data and also updates of crustal content data that constitute the basis of the ultimate reserves. Moreover, it was known that the coverage of elements by ADPs was incomplete. These three aspects together can affect relative ranking of abiotic resources based on the ADP. Furthermore, dealing with annually changing production data might have to be revisited by proposing new calculation procedures. Finally, category totals to calculate normalized indicator results have to be updated as well, because incomplete coverage of elements can lead to biased results. Methods We used updated reserve estimates and time series of production data from authoritative sources to calculate ADPs for different years. We also explored the use of several variations: moving averages and cumulative production data. We analyzed the patterns in ADP over time and the contribution by different elements in the category total. Furthermore, two case studies are carried out applying two different normalization reference areas (the EU 27 as normalization reference area and the world) for 2010. Results and discussion We present the results of the data updates and improved coverage. On top of this, new calculation procedures are proposed for ADPs, dealing with the annually changing production data. The case studies show that the improvements of data and calculation procedures will change the normalized indicator results of many case studies considerably, making ADP less sensitive for fluctuating production data in the future. Conclusions The update of ultimate reserve and production data and the revision of calculation procedures of ADPs and category totals have resulted in an improved, up-to-date, and more complete set of ADPs and a category total that better reflects the total resource depletion magnitude than before. An ADP based on the cumulative production overall years is most in line with the intent of the original ADP method. We further recommend to only use category totals based on production data for the same year as is used for the other (emission-based) impact categories. Show less
At the beginning of the SUPRIM project, there was no global consensus on the assessment of impacts from the use of abiotic resources (minerals and metals), in life cycle impact assessment (LCIA).... Show moreAt the beginning of the SUPRIM project, there was no global consensus on the assessment of impacts from the use of abiotic resources (minerals and metals), in life cycle impact assessment (LCIA). Unlike with other impact categories such as global warming, there is not just one single, explicitly agreed-upon problem arising from the use of abiotic resources. The topic is complex and new methods are still being developed, all with different perspectives and views on resource use. For this reason, the SUPRIM project initiated a consensus process together with members from the research and mining communities, with the aim to obtain an understanding of different stakeholders’ views and concerns regarding potential issues resulting from the use of resources. This paper reports on this consensus process and its outcomes. Insights from this process are twofold: First, the outcome of the process is a clear definition of the perspectives on abiotic resources which form the starting point to further refine or develop LCIA methods on abiotic resource use. Second, the process itself has been a challenging but valuable exercise, which can inspire the evolution of other complex issues in life cycle impact assessment, where research communities face similar issues as experienced with abiotic resources (e.g. water and land use, social LCA, etc.). Show less
Cucurachi, S.; Scherer, L.; Guinée, J.B.; Tukker, A. 2019
The production and consumption of food are responsible for serious environmental degradation. Given the nature of the global economy, the impacts of food are dispersed over the full extent of the... Show moreThe production and consumption of food are responsible for serious environmental degradation. Given the nature of the global economy, the impacts of food are dispersed over the full extent of the planet because food commodities may travel long distances from production to consumption. In this Primer, we introduce the principles of life cycle assessment (LCA), which allows for the assessment of the global extent of the inputs, outputs, and potential environmental impacts throughout the life cycle of a product system. We describe how LCA works following the standard phases of (1) goal and scope, (2) life cycle inventory, (3) life cycle impact assessment, and (4) interpretation. We show that LCA studies can capture the environmental impacts of foods, diets, and food production systems. While LCA has been expanding in scope and breadth, collaboration across disciplines is needed to further capture the diversity of food systems and to better deal with underassessed foods. Show less
Oers, L.F.C.M. van; Guinée, J.B.; Heijungs, R. 2019
Since 2010, advances in scientific knowledge and innovative agricultural technology have revitalized urban agriculture (UA) into innovative urban agriculture (IUA). The continuous intensification... Show moreSince 2010, advances in scientific knowledge and innovative agricultural technology have revitalized urban agriculture (UA) into innovative urban agriculture (IUA). The continuous intensification of IUA could lead to a Second Green Revolution, which aims to meet the current and future food demand. Here, we review the emerging IUA practices and estimate the contribution of IUA to food security and environmental sustainability by limitedly comparing scientific literature and actual data of eighteen practitioners worldwide. The currently most productive IUA practice can produce up to 140 kg vegetables per m2/year. Various scales of IUA potentially contribute to global food security by supporting local food supply, strengthening the food value chain, and applying more sustainable practices than conventional agriculture. Further comprehensive life cycle assessments of IUA are needed, especially in developing countries, to prevent an increase of the environmental burden and to balance the interests of people, planet, and profit. Show less
Our society relies on the sustained provisioning of ecosystem services (ES), while such provisioning has been negatively affected by human activities. Recently, several authors proposed indicators... Show moreOur society relies on the sustained provisioning of ecosystem services (ES), while such provisioning has been negatively affected by human activities. Recently, several authors proposed indicators for the assessment of ES in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies and developed corresponding characterization factors for integration in the impact assessment phase of LCA (LCIA). However, the vast majority of these indicators are still not operational and not a single study has presented a comprehensive list of ES for inclusion in LCIA. As a result, the individual efforts to incorporate ES in LCIA lack guidance from a framework to comprehensively assess and prioritize ES for inclusion in LCIA. This study addresses the aforementioned knowledge gap, and presents an original framework for the optimal coverage of ES in LCIA. We first identify, describe and visualize ecosystem services assessed currently (directly and indirectly) included in the widely applied LCIA method ReCiPe2016. Next, we propose an optimal coverage of ES in LCIA consisting of 15 categories of ES, including provisioning, regulation and maintenance, and cultural services, derived from the ES classification method CICES V5.1. Next, we identify the gap between the current and optimal coverage, consisting of 11 ES categories currently not covered by ReCiPe2016. As a proposal to help accelerate the incorporation of missing ES, we finally prioritize missing categories using available monetary valuation data, resulting in a ranking of ES categories to be included in LCIA. The four categories that rank highest are “Regulation of flows and protection from extreme events”, “Mediations of wastes, toxics and nuisances”, “Water conditions” and “Aesthetic value”. Our analysis and prioritization helps setting a research agenda for the scientific community to collaboratively and comprehensively incorporate missing ES categories in LCIA. Show less
Although technological and environmental benefits are important stimuli for nanotechnology development, these technologies have been contested from an environmental point of view. The steady growth... Show moreAlthough technological and environmental benefits are important stimuli for nanotechnology development, these technologies have been contested from an environmental point of view. The steady growth of applications of engineered nanomaterials has heated up the debate on quantifying the environmental repercussions. The two main scientific methods to address these environmental repercussions are risk assessment and life-cycle assessment. The strengths and weaknesses of each of these methods, and the relation between them, have been a topic of debate in the world of traditional chemistry for over two decades. Here we review recent developments in this debate in general and for the emerging field of nanomaterials specifically. We discuss the pros and cons of four schools of thought for combining and integrating risk assessment and life-cycle assessment and conclude with a plea for action. Show less
