Introduction to Life-Cycle Assessment and Decision Making Applied to Forest Biomaterials 143
Sustainability analysis
Environmental
and health
−Resource consumption
−Emissions (air, water and
land)
−Ecological impacts
−Health impacts
Economic
−Production costs
−Transportation costs
−Consumer cost of goods
−Environmental clean-up
costs to society
−Community health costs
−Brand value
Social
−Job creation/stability
−Availability of goods
−Employee injuries
−Wages of employees
−Age of employees
−Working conditions
−Equity and opportunities
J-S. Goldern & P. White (2007): Arizona State University
Traditional LCA
Figure 5.1The three pillars of the triple-bottom-line perspective of sustainability.
and regional or national policy makers. However, consumer and customers, because of
their large numbers, can use LCAs as a total group of independent decision makers to
influence product and services consumed.
There is a wide range of types of decisions that can be influenced by LCAs. Strategic
planning and capital investments in things such as green buildings, waste management
infrastructure, and transportation infrastructure can have large effects over long peri-
ods of time. Product development and the eco-design of new products can be shaped
by LCAs. How businesses, governments, and other institutions operate and manage
activities can be influenced by LCA studies. Purchasing of products and services can
be influenced by eco-labeling and clear communication of LCA-based environmental
performance. Collectively, all of these decisions together can have a great and positive
influence. However, the quality and benefits of these decision hinges on the quality of
the LCAs that are considered.
To be a useful tool for decision making, environmental LCAs need to be effective in
several dimensions. Primarily, the environmental LCA should be able to communicate
the environmental performance of products and services. It should be able to identify
critical operations, flows, or life-cycle stages within a product or service that are critical
in the overall environmental impact and have high potential for improvement of the
overall system. When alternates exist, the LCA should also be able to allow for the
understanding of differences between products or services. An effective LCA may also
provide other benefits, including minimizing production and regulatory costs. Overall,
the LCA should assist in making decisions that minimize environmental impacts,
resource depletion, and human health damages.
5.1.2.1 Eco-labels
In general, consumers collectively have great influence on products and services that
are prevalent. It is logical to think that different people from different countries,
