what is new in social life cycle analysis research?

Introduction

Social Life Cycle Assessment (SLCA) is a methodology used to evaluate the social impacts associated with the life cycle of a product or service. This field has been evolving, with researchers and practitioners continuously refining its methodologies and applications. The following synthesis presents the latest trends and developments in SLCA research.

Key Insights

Methodological Refinement and Critical Analysis:
- SLCA methodologies are undergoing in-depth and critical analysis to define the epistemological and methodological aspects, moving beyond the initial UNEP/SETAC Guidelines .
- There is a need for a scientifically accepted SLCA method, with current methods being inherently different and lacking standardization.
Development of New SLCA Methods:
- New SLCA methods, such as performance reference point and impact pathways methods, are being proposed to address the gaps in existing guidelines.
- Combining different methods, like performance reference points and impact pathways, is suggested as a future research direction to enhance SLCA methodologies.
Application and Case Studies:
- Case studies play a crucial role in understanding the application of SLCA and identifying its strengths and weaknesses .
- The results from case studies can significantly influence decision-makers and help in refining SLCA methodologies.
Focus on Social Hotspots:
- Refining the social hotspots database and the social hotspot index calculation method is identified as a key area for future research.
Flexibility and Applicability:
- SLCA is recognized for its flexibility and ability to quantify social impacts, making it a powerful tool in sustainability science.
- The method can effectively measure social impacts and provide a sound basis for decision-making.

Conclusion

Recent research in Social Life Cycle Assessment (SLCA) highlights the ongoing refinement of methodologies and the critical analysis of existing guidelines. New methods are being developed to address current gaps, with a focus on combining different approaches for better standardization. Case studies continue to be essential in understanding and improving SLCA applications, while the refinement of social hotspots databases remains a key area for future research. Overall, SLCA is evolving as a flexible and powerful tool for assessing social impacts in sustainability science.

What is new in social life cycle analysis research?

Summary

Introduction

Key Insights

Conclusion

Sources and full results

Systematic literature review in social life cycle assessment

This review reveals that social life cycle assessment (SLCA) methodology has potential for decision support and improving product social effects, but further research is needed to solidify its role in life cycle sustainability assessment.

Social Life Cycle Assessment

Social Life Cycle Assessment (SLCA) is an expanding field of research, with practitioners now in-depth and critical analyzing its methodological and practical aspects, defining the 'what' and 'how' of its methodology.

‘Socializing’ sustainability: a critical review on current development status of social life cycle impact assessment method

A scientific and well-accepted social life cycle impact assessment method is needed, with refinement of the social hotspots database and impact pathways methods being key.

A Review of Social Life Cycle Assessment Methodologies

Social Life Cycle Assessment (SLCA) effectively measures social impacts and provides a sound basis for decision-making in sustainability science, with human well-being as the basis for all methods.

Past and future of Social Life Cycle Assessment: Historical evolution and research trends

Social Life Cycle Assessment (SLCA) has evolved over time, with application cases being the most applied type of study, and its standardization is crucial for achieving scientific maturity.

A bibliometric investigation of life cycle assessment research in the web of science databases

This study identifies key journals and institutions in life cycle assessment research, revealing that biofuel, process design, solid waste management, and livestock production-related research have experienced exponential growth over the past 16 years.

Mapping the scientific research on life cycle assessment: a bibliometric analysis

Life cycle assessment research has rapidly increased in the past 16 years, with greenhouse gas, energy, and biofuels being the most prominent topics.

Social Life-Cycle Assessment: A Review by Bibliometric Analysis

Social life-cycle assessment (S-LCA) has rapidly grown in the last decade, but remains a fragmented research field with critical research gaps and potential avenues for future studies.

Bringing a life cycle perspective to emerging technology development

Life cycle assessments (LCAs) can significantly guide technology development towards environmentally preferable outcomes, but require further discussion and collaboration among various specialists.

Can social research paradigms justify the diversity of approaches to social life cycle assessment?

Social life cycle assessment (sLCA) methodological approaches are influenced by the diversity of research paradigms in social sciences and management, with 73% of studies identifying as interpretivism-oriented and 24% post-positivist.

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