In order to contribute to the current early stage of LCSA development, this study seeks to identify a practical framework for integrated LCSA implementation. Based on life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology, life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA) aims to combine or integrate social, environmental, and economic assessments. Purpose Currently, social, environmental, and economic risks and chances of bioeconomy are becoming increasingly a subject of applied sustainability assessments.
OPENLCA POLYMER MEMBRANE SOFTWARE
Therefore, not only the capabilities of the software and databases, but also th. In order to conduct a practical implementation of HILCSA, we choose openLCA, because it offers the best current state and most future potential for application of LCSA. Methods We select possible indicators from existing suitable LCA and LCSA approaches as well as from the literature, and allocate them to a sustainability concept for holistic and integrated LCSA (HILCSA), based on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The integration of these indicators will make it a more complete sustainability assessment tool with regard to the Area of Protection Natural Resources in LCA. Although circularity indicators (CI) require additional data for its evaluation, our results demonstrate that the chosen indicators are more viable and adaptable to integrate into an LCA tool. The flexibility in the empirical calculation of these indicators is one of the main aspects to be considered. The selected indicators are compared using a case study where each indicator is presented as a characterization model similar to that of LCA indicators. Five out of the twenty indicators reviewed are found suitable to be integrated into an LCA tool as independent methods. The review is focused on the input parameters, level of assessment (Micro, Meso, or Macro), additional data inputs required, and sub-indicators. Indicators evaluating the degree of circularity such as the Material Circularity Indicator (MCI) (Ellen MacArthur Foundation, 2015) are reviewed to verify its ability to adapt to the characterization model of LCA. Integrating these indicators along with life cycle indicators for sustainability assessment is a complex task to achieve this contribution aims at reviewing the existing circularity indicators for their ability to be implemented into a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tool using a case study. Indicators to measure circularity are developed by several research organizations aiming to quantify the transition towards a circular economy, while other few indicators measure the effects of this transition. Resource depletion, excess waste and emissions to the environment are amongst the few reasons encouraging organizations to shift towards a circular economy (CE).