Considering the environmental impact of circular strategies: A dynamic combination of material efficiency and LCA

• Published in: Journal of cleaner production 2023-02, Vol.387, p.135850, Article 135850
• Main Authors: Salvi, Alessandro, Arosio, Valeria, Monzio Compagnoni, Luca, Cubiña, Ignasi, Scaccabarozzi, Guido, Dotelli, Giovanni
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Carbon footprint; Circular economy; Circularity indicator; Life cycle assessment; Resource efficiency; Solar panels
• ISSN: 0959-6526; 1879-1786
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2023.135850

Circular economy aims to create a virtuous economic model by decoupling growth from resource consumption, generating a positive impact on the environment and society. The transition from a linear to a circular model has been supported by the development of quantitative and qualitative indicators which are crucial for both design and policymaking. However, in most cases, such metrics focus on resource preservation, wholly disregarding other environmental sustainability issues (such as climate change). In this study, we test a methodological approach which should organically include both aspects, i.e. environmental and resource preservation, by applying it to a photovoltaic (PV) solar panel recycling case study. We adopt a coupling approach between a circularity indicator (in-use occupation ratio, UOR) and an impact indicator (Global Warming Impact, GWI) through Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA). Such indicators were chosen as they, differently but complementary, emphasize the role of time: the former by assessing the use efficiency and longevity of products, the latter by stressing the adverse effects of atmospheric greenhouse gas emissions over time applying the dynamic Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method. The choice of climate change as paradigm for the environmental issues stems from the world relevance of the global warming, but it is certainly not exhaustive of earth environmental concerns. Robustness and feasibility of the methodology here put forward is tested on a case study of closed-loop recycling: a photovoltaic solar panel fate. The volume of decommissioned PV panel is bound to grow more and more all over the world, posing serious environmental problems if their End-of-Life (EoL) is not properly tackled or offering unprecedented opportunities to create new value chains in the circular economy perspective. For the sake of completeness, the performance of three end-of-life scenarios, each one achieving different circularity levels, in three different energy mix scenarios are fully assessed. The results highlight how, in this specific case, the introduction of circular strategies is beneficial for both resource consumption and climate change, and the choice of the energy mix plays a crucial role.