A critical review on spatially explicit life cycle assessment methodologies and applications

Abstract

Life cycle assessment (LCA) studies that have involved spatial information in the life cycle inventory (LCI) and/or life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) phases have steadily increased in recent years. A comprehensive and up-to-date critical review of recent spatially explicit LCA studies is urgently needed to facilitate wider and consistent employment of spatially explicit LCA. This study collated, classified and critically reviewed studies published over the past two decades on LCA methodologies and applications that integrate spatial information. Among 86 spatially explicit studies reviewed, 61 focus on LCIA method development, 4 on LCI or LCA methodology development, and 21 are applications of existing methodologies in different regions and sectors. Mathematical algorithms developed using Python or MATLAB and LCA software tools such as OpenLCA and Brightway 2 are the most commonly used methodologies to integrate spatial information. The adoption of spatially explicit LCAs remains limited in general mainly due to the lack of high-resolution inventory data and the technical expertise required for implementation. There are trade-offs between the expected benefits and increased complexity of spatially explicit LCA, and its actual net effect compared with aspatial LCA is not yet clear. Context-based recommendations for implementing the existing spatially explicit LCA methodologies are provided. Future research should focus on high-resolution inventory data generation and disclosure, accessible spatially explicit LCI/LCIA methodology improvements and developments, and the establishment of frameworks to systematically quantify the benefits of spatially explicit LCA.