Life cycle assessment-based decision making under methodological uncertainty: A framework proposal

The inherent multi-criteria nature of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), tailored to unearth trade-offs amidst environmental aspects, presents a challenge in directly aiding decision-makers when comparings products. These difficulties are due to both the multi-criteria nature of the instrument and the multiple forms of uncertainty that affect the results. This article aims to present a new framework, integrated with the ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 standards, designed to support LCA-based decision-making under methodological uncertainties. The framework encompasses three innovative phases within the LCA structure: a systematic mapping of sector-specific methodological choices, an in-depth analysis delving into the spectrum of conclusion variability, and the adoption of a weighting system for methodological combinations capable of managing divergent outcomes. This innovative framework was successfully applied in a real-world case study in the packaging sector.