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Development of a Global Framework for an Integrated Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Model in Quality, Safety and Environmental (QSE) Management Systems: Improving Environmental, Social and Economic Sustainability Performance

Author

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  • Zineb El Haouat

    (Higher School of Technology, Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, Fez 30050, Morocco)

  • Safaa Essalih

    (Higher School of Technology, Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, Fez 30050, Morocco)

  • Fatima Bennouna

    (National School of Applied Sciences, Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, Fez 30050, Morocco)

  • Driss Amegouz

    (Higher School of Technology, Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah University, Fez 30050, Morocco)

Abstract

A framework to include life cycle assessment (LCA) in the importance assessment of quality, safety and environmental (QSE) aspects of a management system has been studied to improve the sustainable development performance in the environmental, social and economic dimensions. But there is a literature gap where impact assessment is a critical factor. This research follows a mixed-methods approach, including a survey of 127 Moroccan companies to assess the adoption and impact of LCA integration. The survey’s findings show that 40% of companies have integrated LCA through significant advances in operational quality, regulatory compliance and sustainability performance. The findings also demonstrate how integration has enhanced long-term strategic decision-making, process optimization and environmental impact assessment. The proposed model aligns the requirements of sustainable LCA standards (ISO 14040/44, ISO 26000 and ISO 15686-5) with certifiable standards (ISO 14001, ISO 9001 and ISO 45001), addresses the opportunities and limitations of organizations during integration, and includes indicators for sustainability analysis. The study highlights how implementing LCA in QSE management creates a systematic approach to sustainability, particularly in terms of employee training, regular performance monitoring and regulatory compliance. In light of changing laws and industry norms, these findings provide a means for sectors to enhance their sustainability performance.

Suggested Citation

  • Zineb El Haouat & Safaa Essalih & Fatima Bennouna & Driss Amegouz, 2025. "Development of a Global Framework for an Integrated Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Model in Quality, Safety and Environmental (QSE) Management Systems: Improving Environmental, Social and Economic Sustai," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(8), pages 1-35, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:8:p:3521-:d:1634668
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Christina Wulf & Jasmin Werker & Christopher Ball & Petra Zapp & Wilhelm Kuckshinrichs, 2019. "Review of Sustainability Assessment Approaches Based on Life Cycles," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(20), pages 1-43, October.
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    4. Louisa Pollok & Sebastian Spierling & Hans-Josef Endres & Ulrike Grote, 2021. "Social Life Cycle Assessments: A Review on Past Development, Advances and Methodological Challenges," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(18), pages 1-29, September.
    5. Andrzej Pacana & Dominika Siwiec & Robert Ulewicz & Malgorzata Ulewicz, 2024. "A Novelty Model Employing the Quality Life Cycle Assessment (QLCA) Indicator and Frameworks for Selecting Qualitative and Environmental Aspects for Sustainable Product Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-24, September.
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    7. Piyarath Saosee & Boonrod Sajjakulnukit & Shabbir H. Gheewala, 2020. "Life Cycle Assessment of Wood Pellet Production in Thailand," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(17), pages 1-23, August.
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