Navigating uncertainty in life cycle assessment‐based approaches to biodiversity footprinting

Methods in Ecology and Evolution, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown

Published: March 9, 2025

Abstract The use of life cycle assessment (LCA) methods is rapidly expanding as a means estimating the biodiversity impacts organisations across complex value chains. However, these have limitations and substantial uncertainties, which are rarely communicated in results LCAs. Drawing upon ecological LCA literature on uncertainty two worked examples footprinting, we outline where different types occur multiple stages LCA, from input data to choice metric. Some uncertainties epistemic, incorporating structural (e.g. pressures included models), parametric around characterisation factors information gaps) measurement uncertainty, well natural variability, stochasticity. Other linguistic ambiguity definitions biodiversity) decision‐based choices made when matching company inventory categories). Based this review, provide suggestions for (i) understanding, reducing navigating footprinting (ii) ensuring robust appropriate techniques part broader organisational strategies. Understanding risks posed by weighing them against costs inappropriate action or inaction decisions vital designing effective By appreciating opportunities exist utilise LCAs high‐level risk screening prioritise highlight areas focused effort more granular needed track progress towards abating year‐on‐year identify low‐risk actions. recommend strategies should not be based solely absolute impact results. Instead, used alongside other approaches guide location‐specific deliver nature‐positive future.

Language: Английский

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A critical life cycle assessment of present and potential rare earth circularity routes from permanent magnets

Resources Conservation and Recycling, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 215, P. 108106 - 108106

Published: Dec. 31, 2024

Language: Английский

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Life Cycle Greenhouse Gas Reduction Effects Induced by Turbocharger Multiple Remanufacturing in South Korea

Energies, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 17(24), P. 6248 - 6248

Published: Dec. 11, 2024

In light of growing global supply chain instability and carbon neutrality initiatives, South Korea has highlighted the need for a circular economy to reduce its reliance on natural resources. As critical strategy promoting economy, remanufacturing become essential because ability improve resource efficiency environmental impacts. The automotive sector, which accounts 80% industry, plays role in these efforts. Turbochargers, primarily made cast iron, represent approximately 20% sales this sector are significant contributors greenhouse gas emissions, making them an important target emission reduction. This study examined emissions associated with turbochargers across multiple cycles using LCA method. results indicated approximate decrease 50%, 48%, 46%, based comparative analysis between brand-new products those remanufactured one three times. Comparing does not fully capture key advantage remanufacturing. lies extend product’s life cycle by core parts as primary raw materials reducing consumption new Therefore, it is consider impact within expanded process, where included entire cycle. Using approach, accumulated annual reduction effect decreases 25%, 32%, 35% one, two, or times, respectively, compared only products. shows that reduces use particular, repeated, product lifespan can be extended from 3 years up 12 concomitant emissions. These findings provide valuable data modeling encouraging potential driven various industrial sectors.

Language: Английский

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Comparative Analysis of Global Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Standards and Guidelines in the Steel Industry

Journal of the Korean Society of Mineral and Energy Resources Engineers, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 61(6), P. 500 - 509

Published: Dec. 31, 2024

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies often yield varying environmental impact results owing to differences in research objectives, scope, and criteria. These inconsistencies have led international concerns about assessment standards, highlighting the need for a unified framework. However, comprehensive analyses of LCA guidelines, particularly within steel industry, are lacking. This study analyzed standards guidelines ILCD Handbook, PAS 2050, ISO 20915, WSA, RS, GSCC, International EPD, Korean EPD. Key phrases such as functional units, system boundaries, allocation methods were compared, revealing considerable inconsistencies, boundary definitions procedures. To improve analyses, clearer explanations criteria site-specific considerations essential. improvements would enhance methodological consistency efficiency applications.

Language: Английский

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