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Towards application of life cycle sustainabilityanalysis

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 March 2013

C. van der Giesen ,
R. Kleijn ,
G.J. Kramer  and
J. Guinée
C. van der Giesen
Affiliation:
Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, PO Box 9518 RA, 2300 RA, The Netherlands. e-mail: vandergiesen@cml.leidenuniv.nl BioSolar Cells, PO Box 98, 6700 AB Wageningen, The Netherlands
R. Kleijn
Affiliation:
Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, PO Box 9518 RA, 2300 RA, The Netherlands. e-mail: vandergiesen@cml.leidenuniv.nl
G.J. Kramer
Affiliation:
Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, PO Box 9518 RA, 2300 RA, The Netherlands. e-mail: vandergiesen@cml.leidenuniv.nl Shell Global Solutions International BV, PO Box 3800, 1030 BN Amsterdam, The Netherlands
J. Guinée
Affiliation:
Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, PO Box 9518 RA, 2300 RA, The Netherlands. e-mail: vandergiesen@cml.leidenuniv.nl
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Abstract

There is an increasing need for expanding the scope of traditional life cycle studies toanswer system-wide sustainability questions. This has resulted in a framework for lifecycle sustainability analysis (LCSA). Since the framework was first published in 2009, asone of the outcomes of the CALCAS project, several views and considerations concerning themethodological approach have been published. However, until now practical experience withLCSA is very limited. This paper reports first efforts and experiences in bringing theLCSA framework into practice by assessing the sustainability of solar fuels. Startingpoint of the project is the hypotheses that new technologies can only be practicallyimplemented if they fit into a socially, economically and ecologically sustainablecontext. The analysis therefore aims at identifying performance criteria which a newtechnology needs to fulfil in order to compete in the existing market. It is argued that aLCSA study should be initiated with a broad but relevant system description as the firstof in total five steps Of this five step approach, the first – system description – isdiscussed here. The system description identifies and describes the technologicaldescription, the intended application of a technology, which share of specific demand forservice will be met, which other technologies contribute in meeting this demand, the(relevant indicators for addressing )sustainable impacts of meeting the demand anddevelopments over time. By doing so it provides a solid basis for further steps in theLCSA study.

Keywords

Life cycle sustainability assessmenttechnology assessmentsystem description
Type
Research Article
Information
Metallurgical Research & Technology , Volume 110 , Issue 1: Social Value of Materials , 2013 , pp. 29 - 36
Copyright
© EDP Sciences 2013

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