Harmonizing social life cycle impact assessment and interpretation: a consensus framework for zero-tailpipe emission vehicles

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to establish a consensus-based framework for Social Life Cycle Impact Assessment (S-LCIA) or Social Life Cycle Performance Assessment(S-LCPA) tailored for Zero-tailpipe Emission Vehicles (ZEVs) by identifying and classifying social impact subcategories and indicators as mandatory and optional along with providing necessary Interpretation parameters. This framework is primarily focused on improving consistency and transparency in S-LCIA or S-LCPA and interpretation application across ZEVs which is also a goal of TranSensus LCA (TSLCA) project. Methods The categorization of social impact subcategories as mandatory and optional is done through a four-step filtration method, involving: (1) a materiality assessment based on policy relevance and TSLCA stakeholder input, (2) alignment with industry practices such as Drive Sustainability’s Sustainability Assessment Questionnaire (SAQ), (3) matching with subcategories from UNEP guidelines, and (4) indicator availability in social databases such as PSILCA and SHDB. Furthermore, Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) is used to select relevant indicators based on feasibility, achievability, interpretability, and relevance. This filtration method is followed by a voting session in which experts from S-LCA and ZEVs participated to select the impact categories and indicators along with interpretation parameters. Results and discussion The process resulted in identifying a set of 9 mandatory and 14 optional social impact subcategories. The peer voting resulted in the selection of interpretation parameters that is found necessary based on specific factors, including system boundaries, data inputs, and stakeholder perspectives within the TranSensus project. Conclusions and recommendations The proposed framework ensures harmonization based on a consensus from different stakeholders in the application of impact assessment and interpretation guaranteeing transparency and replicability in S-LCA for ZEVs and is transferable to other sectors. It provides practitioners with a clear foundation for socially responsible impact assessments, particularly in complex product systems like zero-emission vehicles.

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