| Title |
Methodological Aspects of Applying Life Cycle Assessment to Industrial Symbioses |
| ID_Doc |
24209 |
| Authors |
Mattila, T; Lehtoranta, S; Sokka, L; Melanen, M; Nissinen, A |
| Title |
Methodological Aspects of Applying Life Cycle Assessment to Industrial Symbioses |
| Year |
2012 |
| Published |
Journal Of Industrial Ecology, 16, 1 |
| DOI |
10.1111/j.1530-9290.2011.00443.x |
| Abstract |
In view of recent studies of the historical development and current status of industrial symbiosis (IS), life cycle assessment (LCA) is proposed as a general framework for quantifying the environmental performance of by-product exchange. Recent guidelines for LCA (International Reference Life Cycle Data System [ILCD] guidelines) are applied to answer the main research questions in the IS literature reviewed. A typology of five main research questions is proposed: (1) analysis, (2) improvement, and (3) expansion of existing systems; (4) design of new eco-industrial parks, and (5) restructuring of circular economies. The LCA guidelines were found useful in framing the question and choosing an appropriate reference case for comparison. The selection of a correct reference case reduces the risk of overestimating the benefits of by-product exchange. In the analysis of existing systems, environmentally extended input-output analysis (EEIOA) can be used to streamline the analysis and provide an industry average baseline for comparison. However, when large-scale changes are applied to the system, more sophisticated tools are necessary for assessment of the consequences, from market analysis to general equilibrium modeling and future scenario work. Such a rigorous application of systems analysis was not found in the current IS literature, but would benefit the field substantially, especially when the environmental impact of large-scale economic changes is analyzed. |
| Author Keywords |
circular economy; consequential life cycle assessment (LCA); decision making; environmental impact; industrial ecology; industrial symbiosis |
| Index Keywords |
Index Keywords |
| Document Type |
Other |
| Open Access |
Open Access |
| Source |
Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED) |
| EID |
WOS:000301570100008 |
| WoS Category |
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology; Engineering, Environmental; Environmental Sciences |
| Research Area |
Science & Technology - Other Topics; Engineering; Environmental Sciences & Ecology |
| PDF |
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