Session
MO.1.C || Achieving Sustainability Goals on the Regional, National and International Level
Authors
Dvarioniene, Jolanta; Balkau, Fritz; Hurtado, Sandra Elia; Lembo, Francesco
Abstract
Life cycle methodologies for regional sustainable development Authors – Jolanta Dvarioniene,(1) Fritz Balkau (2) , Sandra Elia Hurtado (3), Francesco Lembo (4), 1. Kaunas University of Technology, Lithuania 2. Sustainable solutions, Paris, France 3. Departamento de Desarrollo Rural y Medio Ambiente, Pamplona, Spain 4. ACR+, Brussels, Belgium Topic – This paper examines how regional authorities use LCM concepts and tools in their sustainable development policies and actions. Description – Regions everywhere have acquired increasing development responsibilities along with significant budgets for procurement and contracts. While regions have adopted high-profile sustainability objectives, their current management methods often struggle to deal with multiple SDGs and with the life cycle nature of the issues they face. This mid-term analysis of the EU Interreg LCA4Regions project examines the application of LCM methods to important regional development sectors. It illustrates the use of LCA for policy options in transport and for materials, examples of LCC for procurement and for optimising construction projects. We note a widespread use of carbon footprint protocols in municipal activities, in building optimisation, and even in the operation of a regional food bank. We also find recourse to LCA for technology choices by public bodies, and for the selection of contractors. Some agencies are interested in the potential use of social LCA. The analysis shows clearly the dependence of regional level LCA on national frameworks and on the international standardisation of procedures. Conclusions: Regions are showing interest to apply LCA and LCM more widely in their sustainability policies but they are often handicapped by lack of political commitment, by a lack of LCA understanding in their organisations, and by the perceived cost of LCA procedures. Overall there is an on-going need to bring the benefits of a life cycle approach further into public administr.