(401e) Integration of Techno-Economic and Life Cycle Assessment: Defining and Applying Integration Types for Chemical Technology Development

Sustainable chemical technologies need to be evaluated regarding both their environmental and economic performance in order to ascertain their potential¹. Consequently, techno-economic assessment (TEA) and life cycle assessment (LCA) are essential methodologies for guiding research and development towards commercialization. TEA is a methodology framework to analyze the technical and economic performance of a process, product or service; whilst LCA is a methodology to account for the environmental impacts of a product or service throughout its entire life cycle. However, conflicting conclusions may be derived. For example, if environmentally beneficial options result in increased economic cost. This results in challenges for decision-makers. The integration of LCA and TEA could therefore enhance decision-making^2,3. Integrated assessments provide more information than a simple reporting of separate TEA and LCA results, however at present they are not commonly applied. Guidance is required by practitioners on how to integrate TEA and LCA particularly in emerging technologies⁴.

By conducting a detailed literature analysis, we have shown that there is a lack of consistent understanding and methodological application whilst analyzing common themes and gaps. Based on the many different motivations that can drive integrated assessments along all technology development phases, we conclude, that a single method of integration cannot adequately serve all purposes. Therefore, taking both these aspects into account, a three-part framework to guide the practitioner through integration is proposed.

Firstly, a four-phase approach for integrated assessment to link the subordinate LCA and TEA is defined. Here, key aspects of an integrated assessment are presented, with particular focus on goal setting with respect to the leading questions of the target audience and its decision-making problem. Part II of the framework develops the categories and types of study that can be undertaken when combining TEA and LCA. Two distinct categories are introduced ‘reporting’ and ‘integration’. These categories are further developed into ‘types’. Three integration types are introduced: qualitative discussion-based integration (Type A), quantitative combined indicator-based integration (Type B), and quantitative preferences-based (MCDA) integration (Type C). Each type is described by distinguishing characteristics and criteria. Finally, in Part III, we introduce the practitioner to a step-by-step method to select the appropriate integration type. The selection is based on assessment purpose, while considering restrictions imposed by technology maturity and resource availability.

The integration framework is presented as a basis for increasing the number of integrated assessments by providing practitioners clear guidance, consistent understanding and a common structural approach to integrated assessment. It enables tradeoffs and interdependences between economic and environmental impacts to be explored supporting decision-makers with additional insights gained by linking TEA and LCA.

1 J. B. Zimmerman, P. T. Anastas, H. C. Erythropel and W. Leitner, Science (80-. )., 2020, 367, 397–400.

2 Gregory A. Norris, Environ. Qual. Manag., 2001, 10, 59–64.

3 A. W. Zimmermann, J. Wunderlich, G. A. Buchner, L. Müller, K. Armstrong, S. Michailos, A. Marxen and H. Naims, Techno-Economic Assessment & Life Cycle Assessment Guidelines for CO2 Utilization, 2018.

4 Mission Innovation, Accelerating Breakthrough Innovation in Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage | Department of Energy, https://www.energy.gov/fe/downloads/accelerating-breakthrough-innovatio…, (accessed 31 January 2019).