Integration of life cycle assessment and system dynamics modeling for environmental scenario analysis: A systematic review

Yanqing Yi; Junzhang Wu; Filippo Zuliani; Maria Cristina Lavagnolo; Alessandro Manzardo

doi:10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166545

Integration of life cycle assessment and system dynamics modeling for environmental scenario analysis: A systematic review

Sci Total Environ. 2023 Dec 10:903:166545. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166545. Epub 2023 Aug 23.

Authors

Yanqing Yi¹, Junzhang Wu², Filippo Zuliani¹, Maria Cristina Lavagnolo³, Alessandro Manzardo⁴

Affiliations

¹ DICEA, Department of Civil, Environmental and Architecture Engineering, University of Padua, Via Marzolo 9, 35131 Padova, Italy; CESQA, Department of Civil, Environmental and Architecture Engineering, University of Padua, Via Marzolo 9, 35131 Padova, Italy.
² CESQA, Department of Civil, Environmental and Architecture Engineering, University of Padua, Via Marzolo 9, 35131 Padova, Italy; Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Padua, Via Marzolo 9, 35131 Padova, Italy.
³ DICEA, Department of Civil, Environmental and Architecture Engineering, University of Padua, Via Marzolo 9, 35131 Padova, Italy.
⁴ DICEA, Department of Civil, Environmental and Architecture Engineering, University of Padua, Via Marzolo 9, 35131 Padova, Italy; CESQA, Department of Civil, Environmental and Architecture Engineering, University of Padua, Via Marzolo 9, 35131 Padova, Italy. Electronic address: alessandro.manzardo@unipd.it.

PMID: 37625708
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.166545

Abstract

System dynamics (SD) is widely recognized as a tool for simulating spatial and temporal dynamics in life cycle assessment (LCA) studies of the product system. However, there is no agreement on how SD and LCA could be applied effectively together in a consistent way. To address this gap, this research conducted a systematic literature review, analyzing 54 scientific articles published worldwide between 2010 and 2023, to explore the joint application of LCA with SD. The study aimed to answer three research questions: (1) What can be considered an integration of LCA and SD? (2) How can SD and LCA be effectively integrated? and (3)What are the advantages and constraints of this integration? The results highlighted the popularity of LCA and SD as impact assessment tools for sustainable design, each with its own strengths and limitations. Two primary integration types were identified when LCA was jointly applied with SD: (1) inclusion of the life cycle inventory and characterization factors in an SD model, and (2) inclusion of SD model results in an LCA. In the second type of integration, SD models the components of the technical system, and its outcomes served as input for scenario analysis, providing temporal and potentially spatial inventory data for the LCA model. The integrated approach offers a comprehensive understanding of product sustainability, aids decision-making, and enhances stakeholder engagement. The study also identifies knowledge gaps in the joint application of SD and LCA for environmental scenario analysis, suggesting the incorporation of optimization tools and strategy guidance for policy makers.

Keywords: Environmental impact assessment; Integration; LCA; Literature review; SD.

Publication types

Review