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Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment—A Survey Based Potential Future Development for Implementation and Interpretation

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  • Jana Gerta Backes

    (Institute of Sustainability in Civil Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany)

  • Marzia Traverso

    (Institute of Sustainability in Civil Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, 52074 Aachen, Germany)

Abstract

The aim of this study is to define, via an online expert survey, current challenges and possible future approaches in and for the implementation, application, and interpretation of the Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA). Using an online survey, sustainability experts from around the world were surveyed over a period of five weeks, resulting in 71 experts answering 25 questions. The experts were invited by e-mail and through networks; the online questionnaire was the preferred survey choice particularly for reasons of time, cost, and the pandemic. The survey evaluation shows that no change in LCSA is needed. Nevertheless, (1) a detailed optional baseline LCSA framework, with pre-selected fixed indicator sets, (2) a supporting optional but unified visualization tool, (3) a clear and transparent communication on assumptions, targets and system boundaries and (4) early defined stakeholders were identified as relevant for further LCSA implementation and interpretation. Due to natural subjectivity, the results of this written survey are to be understood as recommendations for action and orientation, not explicitly as a prediction. Finally, an action outlook for future LCSA-development is given.

Suggested Citation

  • Jana Gerta Backes & Marzia Traverso, 2021. "Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment—A Survey Based Potential Future Development for Implementation and Interpretation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(24), pages 1-18, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:24:p:13688-:d:700036
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Matthias Finkbeiner & Erwin M. Schau & Annekatrin Lehmann & Marzia Traverso, 2010. "Towards Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 2(10), pages 1-14, October.
    2. Andekelile Mwamahonje & John Saviour Yaw Eleblu & Kwadwo Ofori & Tileye Feyissa & Santosh Deshpande & Ana Luísa Garcia-Oliveira & Rajaguru Bohar & Milcah Kigoni & Pangirayi Tongoona, 2021. "Introgression of QTLs for Drought Tolerance into Farmers’ Preferred Sorghum Varieties," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 11(9), pages 1-14, September.
    3. Anand, Chirjiv Kaur & Amor, Ben, 2017. "Recent developments, future challenges and new research directions in LCA of buildings: A critical review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 67(C), pages 408-416.
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    1. Jana Gerta Backes & Marzia Traverso, 2024. "Social Life Cycle Assessment in the Construction Industry: Systematic Literature Review and Identification of Relevant Social Indicators for Carbon Reinforced Concrete," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 26(3), pages 7199-7233, March.
    2. Jana Gerta Backes & Leonie Sophie Steinberg & Alexandra Weniger & Marzia Traverso, 2023. "Visualization and Interpretation of Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment—Existing Tools and Future Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-21, July.

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