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The Future of Ex-Ante LCA? Lessons Learned and Practical Recommendations

Author

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  • Matthias Buyle

    (Energy and Materials in Infrastructure and Buildings (EMIB), University of Antwerp, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium
    Unit Sustainable Materials Management, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), 2400 Mol, Belgium)

  • Amaryllis Audenaert

    (Energy and Materials in Infrastructure and Buildings (EMIB), University of Antwerp, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium)

  • Pieter Billen

    (Biochemical Green Engineering & Materials (BioGEM), University of Antwerp, 2020 Antwerp, Belgium)

  • Katrien Boonen

    (Unit Sustainable Materials Management, Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO), 2400 Mol, Belgium)

  • Steven Van Passel

    (Department of Engineering Management, University of Antwerp, 2000 Antwerp, Belgium)

Abstract

Every decision-oriented life cycle assessment (LCAs) entails, at least to some extent, a future-oriented feature. However, apart from the ex-ante LCAs, the majority of LCA studies are retrospective in nature and do not explicitly account for possible future effects. In this review a generic theoretical framework is proposed as a guideline for ex-ante LCA. This framework includes the entire technology life cycle, from the early design phase up to continuous improvements of mature technologies, including their market penetration. The compatibility with commonly applied system models yields an additional aspect of the framework. Practical methods and procedures are categorised, based on how they incorporate future-oriented features in LCA. The results indicate that most of the ex-ante LCAs focus on emerging technologies that have already gone through some research cycles within narrowly defined system boundaries. There is a lack of attention given to technologies that are at a very early development stage, when all options are still open and can be explored at a low cost. It is also acknowledged that technological learning impacts the financial and environmental performance of mature production systems. Once technologies are entering the market, shifts in market composition can lead to substantial changes in environmental performance.

Suggested Citation

  • Matthias Buyle & Amaryllis Audenaert & Pieter Billen & Katrien Boonen & Steven Van Passel, 2019. "The Future of Ex-Ante LCA? Lessons Learned and Practical Recommendations," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(19), pages 1-24, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:19:p:5456-:d:272771
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