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A guide to applying life cycle assessment tools to prospective technologies at the UFZ

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  • Zinke, Christina
  • Marin Karr, Sophia
  • Zeug, Walther
  • Thrän, Daniela
  • Bezama, Alberto

Abstract

Great efforts in biotechnology are being made to reduce the use of fossil fuels and to drive a transition toward a bioeconomy. However, these early-stage technical concepts also carry sustainability risks at ecological, social and economic levels due to large-scale biomass flows when scaled to industrial production. Life cycle assessment methods can help to identify these risks at an early stage and take steps to counteract them. This potential has also been recognized at the UFZ and collaborative efforts between biotechnology developers and modelers have been initiated. Life cycle assessment for prospective technologies, however, presents a number of challenges, such as considerable uncertainty regarding upscaling and the conditions under which the technology will be used in the future. This white paper addresses challenges and opportunities of prospective life cycle assessment methods in an attempt to clarify common questions. Additionally, a survey explored the needs and expectations of future collaborations. The paper outlines the basics of the life cycle tools available in RU6 and proposes a workflow for future collaborations, concluding with a condensed LCA guide (Mini LCA guide) that summarizes the methodology and requirements for joint project work.

Suggested Citation

  • Zinke, Christina & Marin Karr, Sophia & Zeug, Walther & Thrän, Daniela & Bezama, Alberto, 2025. "A guide to applying life cycle assessment tools to prospective technologies at the UFZ," UFZ Discussion Papers 3/2025, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research (UFZ), Division of Social Sciences (ÖKUS).
    • Handle: RePEc:zbw:ufzdps:324637
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Nils Thonemann & Anna Schulte & Daniel Maga, 2020. "How to Conduct Prospective Life Cycle Assessment for Emerging Technologies? A Systematic Review and Methodological Guidance," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(3), pages 1-23, February.
    2. Erik Gawel & Nadine Pannicke & Nina Hagemann, 2019. "A Path Transition Towards a Bioeconomy—The Crucial Role of Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(11), pages 1-23, May.
    3. Nenad Šimunović & Franziska Hesser & Tobias Stern, 2018. "Frame Analysis of ENGO Conceptualization of Sustainable Forest Management: Environmental Justice and Neoliberalism at the Core of Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(9), pages 1-22, September.
    4. Rickard Arvidsson & Anne‐Marie Tillman & Björn A. Sandén & Matty Janssen & Anders Nordelöf & Duncan Kushnir & Sverker Molander, 2018. "Environmental Assessment of Emerging Technologies: Recommendations for Prospective LCA," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 22(6), pages 1286-1294, December.
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