SETAC Proposes A Framework For LCA That Is Deemed To Be The Most Widely: Ecosystem Services Research Paper, UCC, Ireland

LCA Framework

SETAC proposes a framework for LCA that is deemed to be the most widely recognized and used. Likely to be the most critical component of LCA is goal definition and scoping (ISO 14040).

The specific chosen goals will determine decisions that are made throughout the assessment process, in every phase of the LCA method. Goals are usually determined by   ISO 14041 – the inventory; is an analysis of the resources required, and emissions produced within the entire life cycle of the product and/or service. This analysis can be represented as either qualitative or quantitative; or both. ISO 14042 – impact assessment; can be subdivided into: classification, characterization and valuation (Andersson et al., 1994).

These assessed impacts cover three different categories – human health, ecological health and resource use (Tansey and Worsley, 1995). Characterization involves the gathering of all relevant data associated to the impact categories through the utilization of comparable factors. This is primarily a quantitative procedure, that evaluates how numerous inputs/outputs (specific to each category), either adds to or takes from the assessment process (Tansey and Worsley, 1995).

Valuation on the other hand can be achieved through both quantitative or qualitative means and is usually led by a committee of individuals that are affiliated to the governing authorities to their respective domain/sector. If not accomplished in this way; it can also be carried out by the comparison of environmental loading profiles (Boudouropoulos& Arvantioyannis, 1999). ISO 14043 – interpretation; involves recommendations that are based upon the conclusions derived from the overall assessment and includes the suggested actions needed for improvement.

Body of paper – use headings for each section

Measuring Resource efficiency in croplands

Measuring Resource efficiency in croplands (LCA approach to measuring efficiency, comparing food footprints, tends to favor high input, high output systems. Recent developments looking at rotation LCA rather than single-crop LCA.)

LCA approach to measuring efficiency

Natural resources are used to create crucial inputs for human society and a strong economy. In recent decades, technological and industrial developments have relied heavily on natural resources, and such demand is continually increasing; as the global population is projected to reach 11.2 billion by the end of the century.

The well-being of this vast population is also reliant on these resources, which unfortunately are not infinite (UNEP 2011). Water, land, air, and fertile soil are all included when natural resources are discussed, and all are vital to ensure food security for a rapidly growing, and increasingly technologically advancing population.

At the route of concern, is the effect of the rate at which these resources are being overworked and the burdens and stresses they are placing on our environmental boundaries. Continued exploitation of natural resources will lead to further permanent destruction of earth’s natural environment and in turn, imperil its ability to provide ecosystem services that we as a race depend on.

A common strategy to aid in the enabling of sustainable development, and limit the effect to which the planet’s environmental boundaries are stretched; is resource efficiency. The main goal of resource efficiency is to ensure a secure supply of resources while limiting resource environmental impacts (BIO Intelligence Service, 2012). Generally, resource efficiency is characterized as the relationship between the added economic output and the resource input required to attain that added value.