Article
Environmental Sciences
N. Escobar, I Bautista, N. Pena, M. L. Fenollosa, J. M. Osca, N. Sanjuan
Summary: Rice is a staple food in Senegal, but the country relies on imports for more than 70% of its rice consumption. This study uses Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and financial Life Cycle Costing (LCC) to evaluate the sustainability of rice management in Senegal. Increasing yields and improving fertilizer application and mechanization can reduce environmental impacts and production costs. Information exchange between farmers, researchers, and extension agents is important for promoting sustainable agriculture and food security in Africa.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Seyed Mohammad Ebrahimi, Lenny Koh
Summary: This study combines resource perspective on material selection with stakeholder and institutional theory considerations to provide a comprehensive understanding of life-cycle thinking in the automotive industry. It sheds light on how institutional pressures affect sustainability decisions and offers a decision support framework for forward-looking automotive manufacturers.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Review
Ecology
Katerina Troullaki, Stelios Rozakis, Vasilis Kostakis
Summary: Sustainability science (SS) aims to promote interdisciplinary research practices to create actionable knowledge for sustainability transitions, but its integration with sustainability assessment (SA) remains limited. Few SAs have applied SS concepts in practice, indicating the need for further application and collaboration among SS and SA scholars to enhance robust and socially-embedded assessment frameworks.
ECOLOGICAL ECONOMICS
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Duc Binh Tran, Van Tan Tran, Xuan Anh Pham, Van Tuan Nguyen
Summary: Construction is a resource-intensive industry with negative impacts on the environment and society. Evaluating building sustainability is crucial for achieving sustainable development goals. A framework for assessing building sustainability based on life cycle thinking is proposed, providing a practical tool for decision-makers and stakeholders in construction projects to guide their decision-making process.
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Nicola Casolani, Manuela D'Eusanio, Lolita Liberatore, Andrea Raggi, Luigia Petti
Summary: The application of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in the wine sector has received attention in recent years. This paper provides a systematic review of LCA studies in the wine sector over the past decade to analyze inventory data related to temporal, geographical, and technological aspects. The study highlights the need for international guidelines and best practices in wine LCA studies.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Review
Agronomy
Giuliana Vinci, Roberto Ruggieri, Marco Ruggeri, Sabrina Antonia Prencipe
Summary: Rice is a crucial crop in terms of human consumption, and assessing the sustainability of its production process is of great importance. This research investigates the recent literature on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of rice primary production to determine the extent to which Life Cycle Thinking (LCT) and sustainability have been applied in the rice sector, as well as identify research gaps. The study reveals limited consideration of multiple functional units, methodological differences leading to result variability, and inadequate focus on socio-economic aspects.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ziyue Cheng, Tianzuo Zhang, Xinying Zhou, Ziheng Li, Yuke Jia, Ke Ren, Tianshu Xu, Changting Li, Jinglan Hong
Summary: This study analyzed the environmental impact and optimization potential of prefabricated components through a life cycle assessment method. It found that a prefabrication rate of 50% and 30% could reduce potential global warming impact by 31.78% and 13.94% respectively. However, the production of prefabricated components in China incurred a social cost of up to $4.35 billion, with Shandong and Hubei provinces being the key areas for optimization.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Anees Ahmad, Michele Zoli, Chiara Latella, Jacopo Bacenetti
Summary: This article discusses the application of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in rice production. Through the study of 76 papers, it is found that most studies have evaluated the environmental impact of rice production and identified opportunities for improvement. However, there are discrepancies in the factors considered and the methodology used, making it challenging to compare LCA results.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Laura Garcia-Herrero, Laura Brenes-Peralta, Francesco Leschi, Matteo Vittuari
Summary: The tropical fruit sector is essential for global agriculture, but also faces environmental challenges. This study evaluates the sustainability of pineapple production in the Dominican Republic using the Life Cycle Thinking approach and engages with policymakers. The results highlight the environmental and cost hotspots in the production stage, primarily due to fertilizer use. Experts consulted believe that integrating Life Cycle Thinking into policy decision-making tools would be beneficial.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Sepideh Moshrefi, Sami Kara, Michael Hauschild
Summary: The irreversible impacts of human activities have led to the establishment of planetary boundaries and Science-Based Targets (SBTs) for companies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is used as a decision-making tool to integrate environmental impacts in planning. This paper aims to develop a framework for future-oriented Environmental Impact assessment of companies towards operationalisation of SBTs
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marten Koch, Sebastian Spierling, Venkateshwaran Venkatachalam, Hans -Josef Endres, Mikolaj Owsianiak, Eldbjorg Blikra Vea, Christina Daffert, Markus Neureiter, Ines Fritz
Summary: Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are bio-based and biodegradable alternatives to conventional plastics. The photoautotrophic production of PHA using CO2 as feedstock shows advantages over heterotrophic PHA based on glucose feedstock in terms of environmental impacts. Life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology was applied to compare the two production routes, and the results indicate the environmental potential of novel production routes for bioplastics. The use of chloroform-based extraction in both technologies contributes significantly to the environmental impacts, and reducing chloroform loss during the extraction process can minimize its impact.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Thomas Schaubroeck
Summary: Adequate sustainability assessment is crucial for a more sustainable society. Life cycle assessment is the main method, but the current standards have several key issues, such as inconsistencies and a lack of updates.
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ellinor Isgren, Stefano B. Longo
Summary: This comment responds to the claim that sustainability science, as a research community, has leaned to the left in a problematic manner. The comment questions the examples provided and argues for caution in making such judgments. It suggests that the seemingly left-leaning positions may have scientific reasons rather than purely political or ideological ones. The authors also emphasize the importance of considering social theorists' insights for open and reflexive debate in the field.
SUSTAINABILITY SCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Diego Alexis Ramos Huarachi, Cleiton Hluszko, Micaela Ines Castillo Ulloa, Vinicius Moretti, Julio Abraham Ramos Quispe, Fabio Neves Puglieri, Antonio Carlos de Francisco
Summary: This manuscript summarizes the use of life cycle thinking (LCT) in the circular bioeconomy (CBE). It identifies challenges and future perspectives in applying LCT to assess the sustainability of CBE processes. The study found that the use of LCT in CBE is recent and primarily focuses on environmental impacts, neglecting economic and social considerations. Future research will explore the application of microalgae, wastewater, and animal biomass in CBE processes, as well as enhancing cost assessment and circularity.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
B. Soust-Verdaguer, I. Bernardino Galeana, C. Llatas, M. V. Montes, E. Hoxha, A. Passer
Summary: The built environment plays a significant role in the current climate crisis, making the development of more sustainable projects a pressing issue. The use of Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) in digital design tools like Building Information Modelling (BIM) is crucial for evaluating building sustainability. This method aims to provide consistent results by aligning early stage information with a detailed data structure for cost estimation, as demonstrated in a case study analysis.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2022)
Correction
Engineering, Environmental
Andreas Roesch, Serenella Sala, Niels Jungbluth
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Alexandra Marques, Marine Robuchon, Stefanie Hellweg, Tim Newbold, Jutta Beher, Sebastian Bekker, Franz Essl, Daniele Ehrlich, Samantha Hill, Martin Jung, Sandra Marquardt, Francesca Rosa, Benedetto Rugani, Andres F. Suarez-Castro, Andre P. Silva, David R. Williams, Gregoire Dubois, Serenella Sala
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Antoine Beylot, Fulvio Ardente, Serenella Sala, Luca Zampori
Summary: This article proposes an approach to account for mineral resource dissipation in life cycle inventories, with the application to analyze the direct dissipation of mineral resources along the primary production of copper. The results show that the production of 1 kg of copper cathode generates 0.88 kg of direct dissipative flows of resources, primarily calcium carbonate, copper, and to a lower extent iron. The developed approach may change the interpretation of results regarding mineral resources in LCA and have implications on methodological aspects and data requirements.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT
(2021)
Correction
Environmental Sciences
Serenella Sala, Eleonora Crenna, Michela Secchi, Esther Sanye-Mengual
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Serenella Sala, Andrea Martino Amadei, Antoine Beylot, Fulvio Ardente
Summary: Life cycle thinking (LCT) and life cycle assessment (LCA) are crucial concepts and methods for sustainable transitions, particularly in EU policies. While there has been an increasing mention of life cycle concepts and approaches in EU policies over three decades, implementation remains a challenge, especially in certain sectors.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Valentina Castellani, Esther Sanye-Mengual, Serenella Sala
Summary: Current patterns of household goods consumption generate significant environmental pressures, impacting not only Europe but also third countries where products are imported from. Assessing the entire life cycle of products helps to consider trade-related transboundary effects. The main environmental impacts of household goods consumption are on climate change, fossil resource use, and water use.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Giulia Ferronato, Sara Corrado, Valeria De laurentiis, Serenella Sala
Summary: The study combines Material Flow Analysis and Life cycle Assessment to analyze the meat supply chain in Italy. Results show an average meat consumption of 55 kg per capita per year, with pork, poultry, and beef being the main contributors, where beef contributes the most to CO2 emissions.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Andrea Martino Amadei, Valeria De Laurentiis, Serenella Sala
Summary: This study critically assesses the available monetary valuation approaches applicable in LCA and highlights challenges and research needs towards the development of a set of monetary valuation factors. The review found significant variability in the availability of monetary valuation coefficients across impact categories. Results from a case study on the environmental impacts of the consumption of an average European citizen showed a contribution of external damage ranging from 15% to 41% of per capita expenditure.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2021)
Review
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Martin Roeck, Elena Baldereschi, Evelien Verellen, Alexander Passer, Serenella Sala, Karen Allacker
Summary: This study highlights the importance of building and construction in global decarbonization efforts and the role of environmental modelling in supporting policy making. While there are challenges, future building stock models should extend system boundaries and enhance monitoring of various environmental impacts to ensure compliance with environmental targets.
RENEWABLE & SUSTAINABLE ENERGY REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Esther Sanye-Mengual, Serenella Sala
Summary: This paper examines the potential role of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in supporting EU policies and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a focus on evaluating environmental impacts, achieving sustainability goals, and integrating the Planetary Boundaries framework. The study emphasizes that LCA can strengthen EU policies towards achieving SDGs while considering the physical limits of the planet.
INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Serenella Sala, Fabrizio Biganzoli, Esther Sanye Mengual, Erwan Saouter
Summary: This paper presents the principles and methods for calculating the set of characterisation factors for toxicity-related impact categories in the EU environmental footprint version 3.0. The updates to the USEtox(R) model and the use of high-quality data from EU agencies have resulted in an increased number of characterised chemicals and improved alignment between LCA toxicity data and data used for risk assessment purposes.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Esther Sanye-Mengual, Antonio Valente, Fabrizio Biganzoli, Martin Dorber, Francesca Verones, Alexandra Marques, Jorge Ortigosa Rodriguez, Valeria De Laurentiis, Simone Fazio, Serenella Sala
Summary: This paper focuses on mapping LCIA methods and models addressing biodiversity loss to specific LCI nomenclatures, proposing mapping rules for elementary flows related to chemicals, carbon emissions, land use, water use, and particulate matter, while discussing specific aspects to consider in mapping elementary flows. Main gaps in LCI nomenclatures are associated with toxicity and climate change impacts, with EF 3.0 showing better alignment with LCIA methods and models compared to ecoinvent 3.6. Further efforts are recommended for harmonizing elementary flows nomenclature in the LCA community.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Esther Sanye-Mengual, Fabrizio Biganzoli, Antonio Valente, Stephan Pfister, Serenella Sala
Summary: This study compares eight LCIA methods and models to assess the biodiversity impacts of EU consumption. The results show that land use, climate change, and ecotoxicity have a significant contribution to biodiversity loss, and food, mobility, and household goods are the major contributors. The study emphasizes the importance of impact category coverage in assessing biodiversity impacts.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Laura Garcia-Herrero, Davide Gibin, Mattia Damiani, Esther Sanye-Mengual, Serenella Sala
Summary: Food consumption is a major contributor to global water consumption and its environmental impact. This study compares the volumetric blue water footprint assessment (WFA), a pressure method, with the scarcity-weighted WF AWARE model, an impact method, to evaluate the water footprint of food consumption in the EU27. The results show that almonds and cashew have the highest pressure and impact in both methods. EU food consumption has a water footprint pressure of approximately 54 m3/capita/year and an impact of approximately 3525 m3 eq/capita/year under an aligned scope. Considering the full supply chain, the water footprint impact increases by 30%, with wine and chocolate being the top contributors. Integration of WFA data into life cycle assessment (LCA) inventory could be explored for a more comprehensive analysis.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Philip Nuss, Esther Sanye-Mengual, Serenella Sala
Summary: The European Green Deal and the German Resource Efficiency Programme aim to decouple resource consumption from economic growth and reduce associated environmental burdens. This study uses the consumption footprint indicator to assess Germany's environmental impacts in various sectors. The findings reveal that Germany exceeds the safe operating space for several impact categories.
JOURNAL OF INDUSTRIAL ECOLOGY
(2023)