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Visualization and Interpretation of Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment—Existing Tools and Future Development

Author

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  • Jana Gerta Backes

    (Institute of Sustainability in Civil Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Mies-van-der-Rohe-Str. 1, 52074 Aachen, Germany)

  • Leonie Sophie Steinberg

    (Institute of Sustainability in Civil Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Mies-van-der-Rohe-Str. 1, 52074 Aachen, Germany)

  • Alexandra Weniger

    (Institute of Sustainability in Civil Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Mies-van-der-Rohe-Str. 1, 52074 Aachen, Germany)

  • Marzia Traverso

    (Institute of Sustainability in Civil Engineering, RWTH Aachen University, Mies-van-der-Rohe-Str. 1, 52074 Aachen, Germany)

Abstract

The aim of this study is the evaluation of Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) visualizations, which have been gaining increasing relevance in recent years. Despite this, the final interpretation and visualization of LCSA are not yet sufficiently established. Three of the existing LCSA visualization tools, Life Cycle Sustainability Triangle (LCST), Life Cycle Sustainability Dashboard (LCSD), and Sustainability Crowns, are compared and discussed along previously established target criteria. Subsequently, a “new” visualization tool (LCSA-Wheel) is developed based on analysis results and tested within a case study. It became clear that the LCST and Sustainability Crowns are mainly used to help weigh the sustainability dimensions. Nevertheless, the Sustainability Crowns meet most of the defined target criteria and thus serve as a model for the development of a visualization approach. The LCSD maps a wealth of information but is more difficult to understand without a deeper dive into the topic. The proposed LCSA-Wheel adopts a clear structure and provides information needed to understand the visualization. Although further developments are still necessary for general applicability, there is a justified assumption, shown with the help of a case study, that the LCSA-Wheel will gain acceptance in science and practice and thus drive the use of the LCSA.

Suggested Citation

  • Jana Gerta Backes & Leonie Sophie Steinberg & Alexandra Weniger & Marzia Traverso, 2023. "Visualization and Interpretation of Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment—Existing Tools and Future Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-21, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:13:p:10658-:d:1188050
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Najat Omran & Amir Hamzah Sharaai & Ahmad Hariza Hashim, 2021. "Visualization of the Sustainability Level of Crude Palm Oil Production: A Life Cycle Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-16, February.
    2. Jana Gerta Backes & Marzia Traverso, 2021. "Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment—A Survey Based Potential Future Development for Implementation and Interpretation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(24), pages 1-18, December.
    3. Matthias Finkbeiner & Erwin M. Schau & Annekatrin Lehmann & Marzia Traverso, 2010. "Towards Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 2(10), pages 1-14, October.
    4. Rizal Taufiq Fauzi & Patrick Lavoie & Luca Sorelli & Mohammad Davoud Heidari & Ben Amor, 2019. "Exploring the Current Challenges and Opportunities of Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(3), pages 1-17, January.
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    1. Pamela Del Rosario & Marzia Traverso, 2023. "Towards Sustainable Roads: A Systematic Review of Triple-Bottom-Line-Based Assessment Methods," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(21), pages 1-41, November.

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