Abstract
Purpose Companies need to enhance their understanding of the environmental impacts of their products and services. Life
cycle assessment (LCA) has become a prevalent method for evaluating these impacts. Despite significant advancements in
LCA methodology and data availability, several challenges persist. Digital technologies may offer solutions to these chal-
lenges in LCA. Therefore, it is crucial to explore how digital technologies can be integrated into LCAs.
Methods A systematic literature review was conducted to examine the application of digital technologies, specifically
blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT), big data, and artificial intelligence (AI), within LCAs. The review included 103
peer-reviewed journal articles and conference papers. Contributions of these technologies were categorized according to the
four LCA phases outlined in ISO 14040/44 standards. The findings were synthesized into a framework that highlights the
individual and combined potential of these technologies for enhancing LCAs.
Results and discussion The review reveals that IoT is primarily used in the inventory analysis phase, while blockchain,
AI, and big data are applied across the goal and scope definition, inventory analysis, impact assessment, and interpretation
phases. Based on these findings, a comprehensive theoretical concept was developed to outline all possible combinations of
these four technologies with LCA for synergistic application.
Conclusions This study proposes a framework for integrating four key digital technologies—blockchain, IoT, big data, and
AI—into LCAs to support environmental sustainability assessment from a company perspective. This framework offers a
current overview and a foundation for future research. For LCA practitioners, it serves as a strategic tool for identifying
potential technologies and making informed decisions about which digital technologies to apply in their assessments.
cycle assessment (LCA) has become a prevalent method for evaluating these impacts. Despite significant advancements in
LCA methodology and data availability, several challenges persist. Digital technologies may offer solutions to these chal-
lenges in LCA. Therefore, it is crucial to explore how digital technologies can be integrated into LCAs.
Methods A systematic literature review was conducted to examine the application of digital technologies, specifically
blockchain, the Internet of Things (IoT), big data, and artificial intelligence (AI), within LCAs. The review included 103
peer-reviewed journal articles and conference papers. Contributions of these technologies were categorized according to the
four LCA phases outlined in ISO 14040/44 standards. The findings were synthesized into a framework that highlights the
individual and combined potential of these technologies for enhancing LCAs.
Results and discussion The review reveals that IoT is primarily used in the inventory analysis phase, while blockchain,
AI, and big data are applied across the goal and scope definition, inventory analysis, impact assessment, and interpretation
phases. Based on these findings, a comprehensive theoretical concept was developed to outline all possible combinations of
these four technologies with LCA for synergistic application.
Conclusions This study proposes a framework for integrating four key digital technologies—blockchain, IoT, big data, and
AI—into LCAs to support environmental sustainability assessment from a company perspective. This framework offers a
current overview and a foundation for future research. For LCA practitioners, it serves as a strategic tool for identifying
potential technologies and making informed decisions about which digital technologies to apply in their assessments.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Dec 2024 |
Keywords
- LCA
- Life Cycle Assessment
- Artificial Intelligence
- Blockchain
- Internet of Things
- Big data
