Dynamic Assessment of Nature Based Solutions Through Urban Level LCA

Abstract

Planning Nature Based Solutions (NBS) to address urban challenges requires an approach that embeds the multiple dimensions of NBS to effectively portray their use and impact. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) provides a comprehensive assessment methodology in this regard. This paper discusses the environmental assessment of NBS via LCA using urban metabolism as an overarching approach to model the urban ecosystem. Performing a dynamic assessment with time series data is suggested as a way of identifying hotspots of the indicators studied within a determined time frame, allowing the assessor to observe and mitigate extremities and make informed decisions on desired temporal patterns. Dynamic assessment is supported by two simulation methodologies: Building Information Modelling for the built environment and Agent Based Modelling for social behavioural patterns.

Life cycle management of natural infrastructure: assessment of state of practice and current tools

“…Criticisms of environmental impact assessment have highlighted its shortcomings in demonstrably influencing decision processes (Cashmore et al, 2004;Jay et al, 2007) or for considering societal impacts associated with project decisions (Dendena and Corsi, 2015). Başoğlu et al (2018) proposed a life cycle assessment methodology to conduct a dynamic environmental impact assessment of urban nature-based solutions designed to address a variety of urban challenges related to climate-risks, which include various hazards such as urban heat islands, pollution, and flooding. Larrey-Lassalle et al (2022) reviewed 130 studies that use life cycle assessment methodologies to assess nature-based solutions implemented for a variety of reasons, demonstrating the applicability of these methods to NI systems.…”

Life Cycle Assessment Applied to Nature-Based Solutions: Learnings, Methodological Challenges, and Perspectives from a Critical Analysis of the Literature

“…Some review analyses have already been published; however, because NBS is a very broad concept, those reviews have only partially tackled the topic, focusing on drainage systems and stormwater infrastructures [13,[19][20][21][22] or green roofs [23,24]. Some other reviews have concentrated their analysis on the links between LCA (among other tools) and more general concepts encompassing NBS, such as environmental sustainability strategies for urban territories [25][26][27]. Nevertheless, no exhaustive works covering a large range of NBS, from NBS on the ground, water-related NBS, building NBS, to NBS strategies, have been conducted so far.…”