Life cycle assessment of PVC in product optimisation and green procurement – fact-based decisions towards sustainable solutions

Abstract

Decision-making by life-cycle-approaches is a matter of responsibility and plays a substantial role in corporate identity of innovative companies. The use of customised tools and databases is growing. In product optimisation, the decisions can be based on available life-cycle information and a sustainable decision with a company's perspective can be drawn. Green procurement decision-making can be especially demanding because the ‘best available decisions' from the viewpoint of the (often diverse thinking) public may be required. The presentation shows various effects of lifecycle-related decision-support in product optimisation and green procurement by applying and modifying successful approaches. Databases already available can be adapted to specific situations and offer an ideal basis for effective decision support. This issue is presented using PVC as an example. PE Europe is the leader of an international consortium working on a report for the European Commission, sorting and structuring available LCA facts about PVC for decision support in future PVC policy. The way of structuring available information led to a discussion of the pros and cons of different solutions, which will be shown. The overview of different aspects enables prioritisation using Life Cycle Assessment, to support decision making effectively and to avoid omitting important facts. Professionals in companies and in (public) procurement fields may be inspired to base their decisions on life-cycle related information and may be encouraged to take immediate steps towards sustainability. Academics obtain feedback on the most important topics in ‘public' decision-support that will inspire further target-oriented life-cycle research.