Measuring Circular Economy - The Role of Life Cycle Assessment and its Status Quo in Companies

Abstract

The triple planetary crisis—comprising climate change, pollution, and biodiversity loss— represents a critical challenge for humanity. Circular economy offers a promising model to address these issues by decoupling economic growth from resource use and maintaining the value of products and materials for as long as possible. However, while circular economy initiatives aim to combat environmental challenges, the most circular solutions must not be the most sustainable ones. For this reason, the measurement of circular solutions, as well as tracking the performance of taken actions is essential. It can be achieved by integrating life cycle assessments (LCAs) into circularity indicators. To give an overview of existing circularity indicators, a list of 148 indicators was compiled through a meta review, gathering information from 10 existing review papers. The overview includes a short description of the indicators as well as information about 10 different aspects. A subsequent analysis revealed that 90 % of circularity indicators are related to environmental sustainability and one third of the investigated indicators incorporate LCA methodology. Further, existing LCA tools were explored, and differences investigated. The LCA tools were compared in two stages. An overview with 33 LCA tools gives information about 16 general aspects of the tools. This list was generated through online research and inquiries at the companies. Further, a hands-on test of four LCA tools evaluates the aspects software properties, data, usability, flexibility, analysis possibilities and result presentation. Those comparisons showcase the differences between available LCA tools and can support companies in their decision-making process. Lastly, the status quo of companies was investigated. Expert interviews with LCA practitioners from 11 different companies revealed common motivation, challenges and learnings with the implementation of LCA methodology and LCA tools. Current legislative requirements (e.g. CSRD) are currently the focus for most companies when it comes to circularity measurement

Datum der Bewilligung	2024
Originalsprache	Englisch
Betreuer/-in	Peter Hehenberger (Betreuer*in) & Simon Merschak (Betreuer*in)