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Regenerative Development Model: A Life Cycle-Based Methodology for the Definition of Regenerative Contribution Units (RCUs)

Author

Listed:
  • Adriana Del Borghi

    (Department of Civil, Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Genova, 16145 Genoa, Italy)

  • Michela Gallo

    (Department of Civil, Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Genova, 16145 Genoa, Italy)

  • Erica Gagliano

    (Department of Civil, Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Genova, 16145 Genoa, Italy)

  • Vienna Eleuteri

    (BLYP, Be Like Your Place, 00197 Rome, Italy)

Abstract

In the “contributive” approach, balancing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions cannot be considered comprehensive, as all footprints, such as ecological and water, shall be assessed and balanced by regenerative actions contributing not only to carbon removal, but also to the regeneration of biodiversity, land, and water. A survey on existing methodologies for the assessment of the damage (environmental burden) and the calculation of the environmental repair (offsets) has been presented in this work. Its outcome pointed out a lack of scientific knowledge on how to put metrics beyond the regenerative development model and in particular on how life cycle assessment (LCA) can scientifically support a number of key features essential to develop a new methodology. The proposed approach is based on three pillars: reduce, remove, and repair. Indeed, this paper aims to develop a methodological LCA-based approach for the definition of Regenerative Contribution Units (RCUs) to quantitatively assess the contribution of projects in line with Sustainable Developments Goals (SDGs) and the framework of regenerative model development. These regenerative units might be marketed locally and globally by enterprises interested in purchasing such assets to scientifically and ethically comply with their corporate ESG obligations. Furthermore, the novelty and feasibility of the proposed approach has been preliminarily investigated through an example of footprints balancing.

Suggested Citation

  • Adriana Del Borghi & Michela Gallo & Erica Gagliano & Vienna Eleuteri, 2024. "Regenerative Development Model: A Life Cycle-Based Methodology for the Definition of Regenerative Contribution Units (RCUs)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(3), pages 1-24, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:3:p:1264-:d:1331935
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Gallo, Michela & Del Borghi, Adriana & Strazza, Carlo & Parodi, Lara & Arcioni, Livia & Proietti, Stefania, 2016. "Opportunities and criticisms of voluntary emission reduction projects developed by Public Administrations: Analysis of 143 case studies implemented in Italy," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 179(C), pages 1269-1282.
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