Social sustainability in a good bioeconomy paradigm: A systematic review of social life cycle assessment (S-LCA)

Zarauz, Irene (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Sanz-Hernández, Alexia (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Rivera-Lirio, Juana M.

Resumen: The bioeconomy is prominent in global political agendas and is expected to drive sustainable development. However, its potential to achieve transformative sustainability outcomes has been questioned. Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) evaluates bioeconomic models across the three dimensions of sustainability; however, social aspects are largely ignored. This study sought to comprehensively analyse all existing publications on Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA) within the bioeconomy. The main aim was to determine whether these assessments consider social transformations and align with the concept of a ‘good’ bioeconomy, where sustainability across all dimensions is achieved. A systematic literature review was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses method (PRISMA) and 51 relevant documents were identified. A mixed deductive-inductive method and thematic analysis were used to define the scope and methodologies of S-LCA research in the bioeconomy and explore the dominant research themes, key social aspects and indicators, and the actual extent of social transformations. These findings indicated that studies primarily on S-LCA development often neglect the evaluation of social transformations, and instead focus on regional development, green job creation, and supply chain management. Moreover, research that integrates the social dimension into LCSA often regards these aspects as requirements for conducting comprehensive sustainability assessments. However, an in-depth exploration is generally lacking. Consequently, this study found that S-LCA does not assess whether the bioeconomy fosters a transition towards social sustainability. This gap may be attributed to the predominantly Eurocentric and highly technical nature of the reviewed literature. This study contributes to existing knowledge by providing a theoretical exploration of the implications of social sustainability within the context of a good bioeconomy. Additionally, it offers recommendations for future research and outlines policy implications that may promote social responsibility in the paradigm of a good bioeconomy.

Idioma: Inglés

DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2024.144570

Año: 2024

Publicado en: Journal of Cleaner Production 486 (2024), 144570 [14 pp.]
ISSN: 0959-6526

Financiación: info:eu-repo/grantAgreement/ES/DGA/S33-20R

Tipo y forma: Article (Published version)

Área (Departamento): Área Sociología (Dpto. Psicología y Sociología)