Life Cycle Assessment and Other Assessment Tools for Waste Management and Resource Optimization

Memo

Rapid economic growth, urbanization and increasing population have driven a huge increase in resource consumption, with the consequent release of large amounts of waste to the environment. Waste streams can be potential sources for new products or resources, and can improve the efficiency of resource utilization. As a result, waste management and resource optimization are closely connected to each other. Most current waste and resource management schemes lack a holistic approach, able to cover the whole chain from product design, raw material extraction, production and consumption of goods and services, re-manufacturing and re-use, resource recovery from waste down to its safe final disposal. In this framework, it is crucial to have reliable assessment tools, able to provide an accurate and quantitative assessment of possible alternatives for a more efficient utilization of resources and sustainable management of wastes.



This conference aims at stimulating a discussion on current waste management systems in both developing and developed countries, with the view to encouraging a more holistic Resource Management approach as opposed to the traditional “end-of-pipe” Waste Management model. The conference will focus on concepts and tools that allow a reliable comparison between the environmental, economic and social performance of different waste and resource management systems and waste treatment options. Particular attention will be given to case studies of Life Cycle Assessment, Life Cycle Costing and Material Flow Accounting for specific waste management options and waste and resource management planning, especially concerning waste streams other than Municipal Solid Waste.