ABSTRACT
This chapter presents life cycle assessment (LCA) and its current and potential use as a tool of governance. LCA is considered as providing governance input in three different dimensions: (1) as results; (2) as a method; and (3) as a mindset. Life cycle approaches are increasingly informing policymaking and legislation, either as an abstract idea such as “the circular economy” or as calculation rules as set out in the EU renewable energy directive. The idea of the bioeconomy is backed by LCA results which affect policymaking directly. Most LCAs are, however, based on present reality and several elements in the method might have to change if circular bioeconomy becomes a norm rather than an exception. In addition, LCA results are influenced by choices and assumptions made by LCA practitioners which may or may not be in accordance with policymakers’ objectives. The chapter exemplifies how governance can be enriched by LCA, as well as discussing the potential pitfalls of relying on LCA results and on sets of rules and assumptions that are created for the present industrial systems.
