Two life cycle assessment (LCA) based methods to analyse and design complex (regional) circular economy systems

Scheepens, A.E.; Vogtländer, J.G.; Brezet, J.C.

Two life cycle assessment (LCA) based methods to analyse and design complex (regional) circular economy systems

Case: making water tourism more sustainable

Journal article (2016)

Authors

A.E. Scheepens Design for Sustainability -

J.G. Vogtländer Responsible Marketing and Consumer Behavior

J.C. Brezet Design for Sustainability -

Research Group

Design for Sustainability () (TU Delft)

Sustainability Environment Product-service system Eco-costs Eco-efficient value creation Circular transition framework

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Published Date

2016

Language

English

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Faculty

Industrial Design Engineering

Department

Sustainable Design Engineering

Research Group

Design for Sustainability

Abstract

There is a need for metrics to analyse complex business models in the circular economy. Life cycle assessment (LCA) currently is the best defined system to analyse the environmental aspects, and is capable to analyse circular systems, Product Service Systems, and systems for recycling. However LCA falls short of analysis of the added value of business models. Since new sustainable business models are part of the transition towards a circular economy, there is a need for combined analyses of value and ecoburden. This paper applies the LCA-based Eco-costs Value Ratio (EVR) Model to analyse potential negative environmental effects of business initiatives on a system level, and to provide a theoretical approach to the design of sustainable business models by means of a three dimensional approach of costs, eco-costs and market value. Two methods are applied for analysis and design: Eco-efficient Value Creation (EVR
benchmarking) and the Circular Transition Framework (describing stakeholder activities which are required for the transition towards sustainable business models). The practical case of the analysis, design and implementation of a business model for sustainable water recreation in Friesland (a province in the Netherlands) is used to validate the usefulness of these two LCA-based methods.
The conclusion is that the approach of Eco-efficient Value Creation helps to avoid many pitfalls of the design of circular business models (e.g. having a positive result on product level, but having a negative effect on societal level; having a positive effect on the environment but having insufficient customer
perceived value to overcome fierce market competition). The Circular Transition Framework reveals pitfalls and opportunities in implementation (e.g. the coordination between business models and governmental policies).