Subcategory assessment method for social LCA: A first application on the wine sector

Abstract

This chapter presents a Subcategory Assessment Method (SAM) which aims to support and normalize the Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA) case studies regarding subcategory assessment. The method enables the social profile of the organizations involved in the processes along the product life cycle, using a four-level scale for each subcategory. SAM was applied in a small winery; it showed that for most of the subcategories the company did not reach the basic requirement. However, in some cases, simple changes could improve their performance. The results of the case study showed that it was possible to collect data and to evaluate the company using SAM. S-LCA is as time and work demanding as (environmental) LCA. SAM could be also implemented for the entire product life cycle. Future development of SAM could be the method expansion to other stakeholders and subcategories listed in the UNEP and SETAC (2009) guidelines, adapting the basic requirement for each of them.