Proposing a Multi-level Assessment Framework for Social LCA and Its Contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract

AbstractIn the context of sustainable product development, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methods are used to gain knowledge about environmental hotspots and derive options for improvement. In light of international efforts to promote sustainable development, Social LCA (SLCA) is an emerging method to assess potential socio-economic impacts of products and services. Even when available data is limited in the early stages of materials, process, and product development, the implementation of SLCA benefits target-oriented research and development to support sustainable development. This article introduces a multi-level SCLA framework for accompanying innovation processes. The multi-level framework starts by prioritizing social aspects and proceeds as more and more data becomes available with generic and primary assessments and sets the results in context to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The application of the multi-level SLCA is showcased via a bio-based value chain. The study aims to identify options for social risk reduction and consequently provide recommendations for decision-makers. The results show that options to increase social sustainability can be realized by reducing chemical and fertilizer use or fostering sustainability reporting. By mapping the SLCA results to the SDGs, it could be found that the bio-based value chain at hand mostly contributes to the SDG no. 8.