Literature review of Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA)
Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA) is a methodology used to assess the social impacts of products and services across their life cycle. S-LCA applies LCA methodology and systematic assessment but combines it with social science methodologies; with impact categories focusing on direct positive and/or negative impact on key stakeholders during the life cycle of a product. This report details the findings of a systematic literature review on social impacts of bioenergy using S-LCA. Using the Scopus database, 30 papers were deemed relevant, covering the period from January 2009 to September 2024. The literature review highlighted a growing interest in social impact assessment, especially since the publication of the first S-LCA guidelines in 2009. However, among the 30 studies reviewed, only 17 explicitly utilised S-LCA methodologies, highlighting a research gap in the area.
In summary, the literature review found that most studies on bioenergy focus on environmental impacts using life cycle assessment, with economic factors receiving secondary attention, and social considerations being the least addressed. In addition, studies which combined S-LCA with environmental and/or economic assessments were more likely to include a smaller number of social indicators thus highlighting greater importance placed on environmental and economic considerations in overall assessments of bioenergy. Many studies made assumptions about social benefits without robust S-LCA analysis. Misclassification of non-social metrics as social indicators was also common. While some studies incorporated stakeholder participation, it was generally limited. Employment and working conditions were the most frequently assessed indicators due to their quantifiability. Methodological rigor, indicator selection, and levels of interpretation varied across the works and largely reflect some of the current challenges in employing S-LCA.
The findings from the review highlight the need for interdisciplinary approaches to improve S-LCA by addressing data gaps, methodological limitations, and stakeholder inclusion. Social acceptance remains a key barrier to bioenergy expansion, and thus ensuring that all key stakeholders are included in the social impact assessment is essential. Incorporating qualitative data and improving result interpretation are critical for advancing S-LCA. With the growing research interest in utilising S-LCA and importance of inclusion of social impacts into the overall sustainability assessment, it is expected that S-LCA will continue evolve and strengthen.
For more information, contact Fionnuala Murphy, University College Dublin.
Link to the Literature review of Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA).
