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Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Sustainability
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Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Sustainability

A special issue of Sustainability (ISSN 2071-1050). This special issue belongs to the section "Environmental Sustainability and Applications".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 8123

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Jan C. Bongaerts

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Geo Sciences, Geo Engineering and Mining, Technische Universitaet Bergakademie Freiberg, 09596 Freiberg, Germany
Interests: mineral economics; stakeholder management; life cycle assessment
Prof. Dr. Carsten Drebenstedt

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Geo Sciences, Geo Engineering and Mining, Institute for Surface Mining, Technische Universitaet Bergakademie Freiberg, 09596 Freiberg, Germany
Interests: mining technologies; mining reclamation and rehabilitaton
Prof. Dr. María Fernández-Raga

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Facultad de Quimica y Fisica Aplicadas, Universidad de Léon, Leon, Spain
Interests: rainfall characterization; measurements of rainfall; rainfall simulators; disdrometers; splash erosion; karstification; impacts of water on construction; fluid dynamics engineering; erosion; weather types
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Antoine F. Mulaba-Bafubiandi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
Interests: circularity; green economy; longevity of current mining; sustainable energy supply; complex ores processing; artisanal and small scale mining; value addition and Beneficiation

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue is devoted to papers presenting LCA research results, with a focus on the use of LCA as a tool for evaluating the sustainability of a given process or product. We propose that this sustainability metric can be measured by the contributions of these processes and/or products to their relevant UN SDGs. In many studies utilizing LCA, the resulting outcomes and results tend to have a static and short-term character, comparable to a snapshot in photography. However, sustainability as described by the SDGs envisages long-term effects in a dynamic context subject to further development. In addition, the idea of sustainability comprises a threefold dimension, incorporating environmental, social, and economic effects of processes and products.

Contributors to this Special Issue are thus invited to submit papers in line with the abovementioned proposal. These may concern efforts to develop new and innovative methodological approaches and/or the presentation of case studies with strong illustrative characteristics linking LCA to sustainability.

Prof. Dr. Jan C. Bongaerts
Prof. Dr. Carsten Drebenstedt
Prof. Dr. María Fernández-Raga
Prof. Dr. Antoine F. Mulaba-Bafubiandi
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Sustainability is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • LCA
  • social LCA
  • economic valuation
  • sustainability
  • SDGs

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 1622 KiB  
Article
Social Life Cycle Assessment Methodology to Capture “More-Good” and “Less-Bad” Social Impacts—Part 1: A Methodological Framework
by Pasan Dunuwila, Ichiro Daigo, V. H. L. Rodrigo, D. J. T. S. Liyanage, Wenjing T. Gong, Hiroki Hatayama, Koichi Shobatake, Kiyotaka Tahara and Takeo Hoshino
Sustainability 2025, 17(11), 4830; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17114830 - 23 May 2025
Viewed by 705
Abstract
Social life cycle assessment (SLCA) systematically assesses the social impacts of the entire life cycle of a product system or service that stretches from extraction and processing of raw material to recycling and final disposal. Most SLCA techniques highlight negative impacts and their [...] Read more.
Social life cycle assessment (SLCA) systematically assesses the social impacts of the entire life cycle of a product system or service that stretches from extraction and processing of raw material to recycling and final disposal. Most SLCA techniques highlight negative impacts and their reductions, while positive social impacts and their increments have received less attention. Positive social impacts highlight chances for improving human well-being and present a complete picture of a product’s overall social impact. The literature shows that norms for defining positive impacts and methodologies for assessing them are not yet fully established and retain lacunae, which can lead to conflicts in the usage of the term “positive impacts”. Therefore, we develop a novel SLCA methodology that can straightforwardly distinguish between the “good” and “bad” social state at the subcategories in the latest version of methodological sheets for SLCA. Here, we refrain from using the terms “positive” and “negative” as those terms retain scattered consensus; instead, we use the fresh terms “good” and “bad”, which are simpler to understand. To describe the positive changes in good and bad states, we introduce two new terms into SLCA: “more-good” (improvements within the good domain) and “less-bad” (improvements within the bad domain). Good and bad social domains are distinguished using compliance levels (e.g., industry standards), referred to as baseline requirements. Social impacts were evaluated using the social performance index (SPI). The SPI is computed by multiplying social performance levels with working hours at the factory/company level. Social performance levels are evaluated using a decision tree and a systematically proposed set of indicators representing basic requirements and good and bad domains of each subcategory. Working hours were used as an activity variable, estimated using a working hour model. This enables the application of the SPI across the supply chain of a product by linking social impacts to the time spent on each activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Sustainability)
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14 pages, 1506 KiB  
Article
Environmental Microbiological Sampling in Civil Settings: Comparative LCA Analysis of Green Cleaning Techniques vs. Traditional Methods in Accordance with New Italian CAM Guidelines
by Riccardo Fontana, Luciano Vogli, Mattia Buratto, Anna Caproni, Chiara Nordi, Mariangela Pappadà, Martina Facchini, Cesare Buffone, Beatrice Bandera and Peggy Marconi
Sustainability 2025, 17(10), 4546; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17104546 - 16 May 2025
Viewed by 331
Abstract
This research conducts a comparative life cycle assessment (LCA) to examine both the ecological footprint and microbiological performance of eco-friendly and traditional cleaning methods in non-clinical environments. Conducted in accordance with the updated Minimum Environmental Criteria (CAMs), the research follows the principles and [...] Read more.
This research conducts a comparative life cycle assessment (LCA) to examine both the ecological footprint and microbiological performance of eco-friendly and traditional cleaning methods in non-clinical environments. Conducted in accordance with the updated Minimum Environmental Criteria (CAMs), the research follows the principles and framework established by UNI EN ISO 14040 and 14044. Additionally, the assessment of carbon footprint (kg CO2e) adheres to ISO 14067:2018, with guidance from Product Category Rules (PCR 2011:03 v3.0.1). Our findings demonstrate that the Green Protocol implemented by Dussmann Service reduces the carbon footprint of cleaning activities by 20.0% compared to the traditional protocol, equating to an annual reduction of 156 kg CO2 at the pilot site. Laboratory analyses confirm that the Green Protocol maintains hygiene standards equivalent to conventional methods, ensuring adequate microbiological quality while significantly lowering environmental impact. The study highlights the feasibility of integrating eco-friendly cleaning practices without compromising effectiveness. Future research should explore the scalability, cost-efficiency, and long-term benefits of this approach. This assessment provides a scientifically validated foundation for adopting sustainable cleaning methodologies in professional settings, supporting the transition towards environmentally responsible facility management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Sustainability)
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20 pages, 2032 KiB  
Article
Revealing the Environmental Footprint of Crepe Rubber Production: A Comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment of a Crepe Rubber Factory in Sri Lanka
by Pasan Dunuwila, Enoka Munasinghe, V. H. L. Rodrigo, Wenjing T. Gong, Ichiro Daigo and Naohiro Goto
Sustainability 2025, 17(3), 1239; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17031239 - 4 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1169
Abstract
Natural rubber, a renewable material with unique properties, is crucial for various products on the modern market. Crepe rubber, a versatile form of natural rubber, is widely used in numerous applications, including footwear soles, medical devices, automotive parts, adhesives, sports equipment, industrial components, [...] Read more.
Natural rubber, a renewable material with unique properties, is crucial for various products on the modern market. Crepe rubber, a versatile form of natural rubber, is widely used in numerous applications, including footwear soles, medical devices, automotive parts, adhesives, sports equipment, industrial components, musical instruments, and recreational products. Sri Lanka holds a prominent position as a leading producer of premium-quality crepe rubber but faces environmental challenges in its production process. Since previous life cycle assessments (LCAs) in the rubber industry are inadequate to capture the overall environmental impact, the present study attempted to address the gaps by conducting a detailed LCA of a Sri Lankan crepe rubber factory, incorporating a novel index termed the trade-off valuation index (TOVI). The research revealed that fertilizer, water, and electricity use contribute most significantly to crepe rubber production’s environmental impact. To mitigate these impacts, four key improvement options were identified and evaluated through scenario analysis: (1) enhancing fertilizer efficiency, (2) repairing leaky joints and valves, (3) implementing a water reuse system, and (4) installing solar panels. The integration of the TOVI allowed for the prioritization of these options, providing actionable insights for industry stakeholders. This study paves the way for targeted interventions to enhance the sustainability of the natural rubber industry by balancing economic viability with environmental stewardship. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Sustainability)
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40 pages, 2337 KiB  
Article
Framework for Integration of Health Monitoring Systems in Life Cycle Management for Aviation Sustainability and Cost Efficiency
by Igor Kabashkin, Vladimir Perekrestov, Timur Tyncherov, Leonid Shoshin and Vitalii Susanin
Sustainability 2024, 16(14), 6154; https://doi.org/10.3390/su16146154 - 18 Jul 2024
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3431
Abstract
In the development of the aviation industry, integrating Life Cycle Management (LCM) with Advanced Health Monitoring Systems (AHMSs) and modular design emerges as a pivotal strategy for enhancing sustainability and cost efficiency. This paper examines how AHMSs, using the Internet of Things, artificial [...] Read more.
In the development of the aviation industry, integrating Life Cycle Management (LCM) with Advanced Health Monitoring Systems (AHMSs) and modular design emerges as a pivotal strategy for enhancing sustainability and cost efficiency. This paper examines how AHMSs, using the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, and blockchain technologies, can transform maintenance operations by providing real-time diagnostics, predictive maintenance, and secure data logging. The study introduces a comprehensive framework that integrates these technologies into LCM, focusing on maximizing the utilization and lifespan of aircraft components. Quantitative models are developed to compare traditional and modern aviation systems, highlighting the substantial life cycle cost savings and operational efficiencies achieved through these integrations. The results demonstrate up to a 30% reduction in maintenance costs and up to a 20% extension in component lifespan, validating the economic and operational benefits of the proposed integrations. The research underscores the potential of these combined strategies to advance the aviation sector’s sustainability objectives, and serves as valuable tools for industry stakeholders, offering actionable insights into the implementation of LCM strategies enhanced by AHMSs and modular design, offering a detailed analysis of the practical implementation challenges. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Sustainability)
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Review

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21 pages, 1562 KiB  
Review
From Volcanic Popcorn to the Material of the Future: A Critical Review of Expanded Perlite Applications and Environmental Impacts
by Justyna Dzięcioł, Olga Szlachetka and Jorge Manuel Rodrigues Tavares
Sustainability 2025, 17(4), 1454; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17041454 - 11 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1700
Abstract
The comprehensive review delves into the diverse applications of expanded perlite, highlighting the need for sustainable solutions in the face of changing market demands. The analysis of the environmental impact of traditional materials reveals critical issues, including increased energy consumption, resource depletion, and [...] Read more.
The comprehensive review delves into the diverse applications of expanded perlite, highlighting the need for sustainable solutions in the face of changing market demands. The analysis of the environmental impact of traditional materials reveals critical issues, including increased energy consumption, resource depletion, and increasing waste generation. The search for safe materials with reduced environmental impact and renewable properties is proving critical to supporting a sustainable future. The analysis not only points out the economic benefits and widespread use of materials containing expanded perlite in various industries but also presents current trends in the use of this material, supporting options for environmentally friendly solutions. This study also examines the idea of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), the application of which for expanded perlite provides valuable insight into the production, transportation, and potential recycling of this material. Furthermore, the paper identifies the most promising solutions and identifies areas where further research is needed, providing insight into the current state of affairs and future challenges associated with the use of this material. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Sustainability)
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