Blended Lifecycle Integrated Social System Method

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

12-1-2020

Department

Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering

Abstract

Lack of a reliable database and methodology for system development and evaluation with special consideration of social impacts has led to several challenges for lifecycle assessment for any project. Implementation of social science into projects, integrating social sustainability concerns into measures of human development, and investigating the impacts of the production process and the product chain on stakeholders are complex. This study develops a robust framework for social life cycle assessment, entitled the “Blended Lifecycle Integrated Social System” framework (BLISS). The BLISS method aims to develop an overarching framework that blends in the social aspect of the decision-making process and supports businesses in minimizing the harmful impacts of social objections on the industry and people’s lives. The new method is demonstrated here on algal biofuel production, with the integration of the weight of each production stage in the final product, studying a wide variety of stakeholders involved in the life cycle, including any relevant social criteria and understanding their connection with the production line and the stakeholders in a multi-criteria analysis framework. However, by combining product systems, indicators, and stakeholders, the new method results in a more robust solution by including social sustainability hotspots, development opportunities, and minimization of social objection on various types of projects. Graphic abstract: [Figure not available: see fulltext.]

Publisher's Statement

© 2020, University of Tehran. Publisher’s version of record: https://doi.org/10.1007/s41742-020-00284-z

Publication Title

International Journal of Environmental Research

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