Visualization and Interpretation of Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment—Existing Tools and Future Development

Abstract

The aim of this study is the evaluation of Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) visualizations, which have been gaining increasing relevance in recent years. Despite this, the final interpretation and visualization of LCSA are not yet sufficiently established. Three of the existing LCSA visualization tools, Life Cycle Sustainability Triangle (LCST), Life Cycle Sustainability Dashboard (LCSD), and Sustainability Crowns, are compared and discussed along previously established target criteria. Subsequently, a “new” visualization tool (LCSA-Wheel) is developed based on analysis results and tested within a case study. It became clear that the LCST and Sustainability Crowns are mainly used to help weigh the sustainability dimensions. Nevertheless, the Sustainability Crowns meet most of the defined target criteria and thus serve as a model for the development of a visualization approach. The LCSD maps a wealth of information but is more difficult to understand without a deeper dive into the topic. The proposed LCSA-Wheel adopts a clear structure and provides information needed to understand the visualization. Although further developments are still necessary for general applicability, there is a justified assumption, shown with the help of a case study, that the LCSA-Wheel will gain acceptance in science and practice and thus drive the use of the LCSA.