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Watershed Planning within a Quantitative Scenario Analysis Framework
Published on: July 24, 2016
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Framework for analyzing transformative technologies in life cycle assessment.
Shelie A Miller1, Gregory A Keoleian
1Center for Sustainable Systems, School of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Michigan , 440 Church Street, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48109, United States.
Environmental Science & Technology
|January 31, 2015
Summary
Developing life cycle assessment (LCA) methods for emerging technologies is crucial for anticipating impacts. This study structures ten factors to guide LCA for transformative technologies early in development.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Technology Assessment
Background:
- Emerging products and technologies present unique life cycle assessment (LCA) challenges due to data scarcity and uncertainty.
- Analyzing transformative technologies with broad societal potential is particularly complex.
- Despite challenges, developing LCA methods for emerging technologies is essential for sustainable innovation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and categorize factors influencing LCA results for transformative technologies.
- To provide a formal structure for selecting appropriate factors in LCA studies.
- To support early-stage technology development and guide preferential outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and expert consultation to identify influencing factors.
- Categorization of identified factors based on their impact on LCA results.
- Development of a framework for factor selection in LCA.
Main Results:
- Ten key factors influencing LCA of transformative technologies were identified and categorized.
- A structured approach for selecting relevant factors for LCA was proposed.
- The framework is applicable to both attributional and consequential LCA.
Conclusions:
- Early-phase prospective LCA is vital for anticipating unintended consequences of emerging technologies.
- A systematic approach to factor selection enhances the reliability of LCA for transformative technologies.
- This framework aids in developing sustainable design pathways for future innovations.
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