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A Review on the Use of Life Cycle Methodologies and Tools in Sustainable Regional Development

Author

Listed:
  • Fritz Balkau

    (Sustainable Solutions, 75004 Paris, France)

  • Alberto Bezama

    (Department of Bioenergy, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research–UFZ, 04318 Leipzig, Germany)

  • Noemie Leroy-Parmentier

    (Institute of Molecular Sciences (ISM), Université de Bordeaux, 33400 Talence, France)

  • Guido Sonnemann

    (Institute of Molecular Sciences (ISM), Université de Bordeaux, 33400 Talence, France)

Abstract

This review examines how life cycle methodologies are presently used by regional authorities in their sustainable development programmes. The review incorporates formal methods of life cycle assessment (LCA) as well as non-standardised approaches like life cycle management (LCM). The review describes the sustainability agenda facing regions, and a ‘life cycle toolbox’ that can be used at territorial level. Several parallel literature research methods were used to collect representative examples from around the world of regional life cycle approaches, identifying a variety of common and still-evolving methodologies used to address sustainability issues and applications. Results show that regional use of various life cycle methodologies from the toolbox is growing although scope is often constrained to short life chains, and with limited consideration of secondary (“spillover”) impacts. The conclusions confirm earlier findings that current life cycle tools are not always ideally structured for public sector organisations, with some not yet mature for addressing regional sustainability issues, such as biodiversity, land use and social impacts. Regional data aggregation is currently insufficient for certain methods. Further research is needed to adapt certain life cycle methodologies for regional application, but many available tools could already be further applied than is currently the case.

Suggested Citation

  • Fritz Balkau & Alberto Bezama & Noemie Leroy-Parmentier & Guido Sonnemann, 2021. "A Review on the Use of Life Cycle Methodologies and Tools in Sustainable Regional Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(19), pages 1-41, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:19:p:10881-:d:647233
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