Record |
Author |
Buyle, M.; Audenaert, A.; Billen, P.; Boonen, K.; Van Passel, S. |
Title ![sorted by Title field, ascending order (up)](img/sort_asc.gif) |
The future of Ex-Ante LCA? Lessons learned and practical recommendations |
Type |
A1 Journal article |
Year |
2019 |
Publication |
Sustainability |
Abbreviated Journal |
Sustainability-Basel |
Volume |
11 |
Issue |
19 |
Pages |
5456 |
Keywords |
A1 Journal article; Engineering sciences. Technology; Engineering Management (ENM); Biochemical Wastewater Valorization & Engineering (BioWaVE); Energy and Materials in Infrastructure and Buildings (EMIB) |
Abstract |
Every decision-oriented life cycle assessment (LCAs) entails, at least to some extent, a future-oriented feature. However, apart from the ex-ante LCAs, the majority of LCA studies are retrospective in nature and do not explicitly account for possible future effects. In this review a generic theoretical framework is proposed as a guideline for ex-ante LCA. This framework includes the entire technology life cycle, from the early design phase up to continuous improvements of mature technologies, including their market penetration. The compatibility with commonly applied system models yields an additional aspect of the framework. Practical methods and procedures are categorised, based on how they incorporate future-oriented features in LCA. The results indicate that most of the ex-ante LCAs focus on emerging technologies that have already gone through some research cycles within narrowly defined system boundaries. There is a lack of attention given to technologies that are at a very early development stage, when all options are still open and can be explored at a low cost. It is also acknowledged that technological learning impacts the financial and environmental performance of mature production systems. Once technologies are entering the market, shifts in market composition can lead to substantial changes in environmental performance. |
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Thesis |
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Publisher |
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Place of Publication |
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Editor |
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Language |
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Wos |
000493525500315 |
Publication Date |
2019-10-01 |
Series Editor |
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Series Title |
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Abbreviated Series Title |
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Series Volume |
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Series Issue |
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Edition |
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ISSN |
2071-1050 |
ISBN |
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Additional Links |
UA library record; WoS full record; WoS citing articles; WoS full record; WoS citing articles |
Impact Factor |
1.789 |
Times cited |
4 |
Open Access |
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Notes |
; Thanks to Koen Breemersch for providing insightful and useful comments on draft versions of this manuscript. This work was supported by the University of Antwerp and the Flemish Institute for Technological Research (VITO). The authors also acknowledge anonymous reviewers for the constructive suggestions and the stimulating discussion. ; |
Approved |
Most recent IF: 1.789 |
Call Number |
UA @ admin @ c:irua:162571 |
Serial |
6205 |
Permanent link to this record |