Edited by Sonia Valdivia and Guido Sonnemann and published by Edward Elgar Publishing, this handbook is a guide for effectively using current tools and methodologies to support well-informed decisions based on life cycle thinking.
Chapter 13 of the handbook was co-written by ecoinvent team members Emilia Moreno Ruiz (CTO), Thomas Sonderegger (Project Manager), and four other co-authors. Titled “Data for LCSA – State of the Art and Outlook,” this chapter delves into the intricate landscape of Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA), shedding light on its three fundamental pillars— environmental, economic, and social— and exploring the evolving methodologies, data collection practices, and the unique challenges associated with each dimension. From navigating the complexities of data availability to discussing the nuances of Life Cycle Costing (LCC) and Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA), this chapter offers invaluable insights into the current state of LCSA. It paves the way forward for its standardization and operationalization.