Combining LCA and RA for the integrated risk management of emerging technologies

Abstract

Emerging risks of innovative technologies, like for instance nanotechnology, require proactive assessments in order to guarantee that their future materials and products will not result in adverse effects on health, safety and the environment. The combination of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Risk Assessment (RA) offers a systematic approach to identify and assess potential impacts. LCA is a well-known analytical tool, standardised in ISO 14040-14044, to assess the environmental impact of the entire life-cycle of a product or service. Its strengths are the systematic approach to analyse all life-cycle stages of complex systems. Integrated risk management can benefit in various ways from LCA. Firstly, LCA offers a new dimension to the safety paradigm, exploring the principles and synergies between LCA and RA. Secondly, LCA offers a systematic approach to analyse the risks of innovative technologies along their entire life-cycle (from design, building, maintenance, operation to decommissioning). Thirdly, LCA offers an analytical tool to quantify the environmental impact of emerging technologies. In combination with RA, LCA can provide scientifically sound information for the early assessment of potential impacts on health, safety and the environment.

Keywords:

• LCA
• RA
• combined approach
• emerging technologies

Notes

1. SETAC stands for ‘Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry’ and forms the scientific community for LCA and environmental risk assessment (www.setac.org).

2. The meaning of ‘life cycle’ depends on the context and can be interpreted in various ways. Here, life cycle is seen both as a leading principle for environmental policy (Life Cycle Thinking) and a practical tool to assess the environmental performance of product life cycles (Life Cycle Assessment).

3. Various dimensions are relevant: the sustainability dimension (environment, economy and society), the RA and LCA dimensions (hazards, risks and impacts), the HSE dimension (health, safety and environment) and the driving forces dimension (technology, communication, human factors and regulation).