Social Life Cycle Assessment: Socioeconomic Evaluation of Biogas Plants and Short Rotation Coppices

Abstract

Up to now, various methodological problems have hampered the application of the Social Life Cycle Assessment (SLCA) approach. The objective of this article is to introduce a modified, empirically based method of running a regionally differentiated SLCA. The modified SLCA method is illustrated by reference to two different bio-energy value chains (biogas and short rotation coppices) and a reference chain (wheat production). The socioeconomic comparison of different value chains shows that biogas production offers better results overall than reference value chains and can thus be considered sustainable from a social point of view. The results provide multifaceted socioeconomic data, offering the necessary informational input for political and managerial decision-making.