MA11 Introductory LCA Session
C120-122
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Monday
() Overview of life cycle approaches for sustainable resource management.
Udo de Haes, H.A.1, 1 Leiden University (CML), Leiden, The Netherlands
ABSTRACT- Different approaches are practiced for the management of natural resources in a life cycle perspective. A life cycle perspective means, that for a decision at a given stage in the production-consumption-waste management chain, information about other stages is used. A distinction can be made between approaches with a main focus on organisation and approaches with a main focus on the use of analytical tools. Organisation-focused approaches include: (1) certification of companies according to general performance, including ISO 14001 and various Codes of Conduct; (2) certification of specific management practices and labelling of products, including FSC and MSC labels, ISO Type III product declarations, food products from organic farms, and certifications regarding child labour or animal welfare; and (3) benchmarking of companies. Tool-focused approaches include: (4) LCA information and information from other analytical tools for support of production choices; (5) LCA information for support of consumption choices; and (6) LCA information for agreements between stakeholders. State-of the-art and main open questions regarding these approaches will be discussed, focusing on their aim and scope, types of application, drivers, constraints, results and perspectives.
Key words: Sustainable resource management, Life cycle appoaches