TITLE:
Application of LCA by Using Midpoint and Endpoint Interpretations for Urban Solid Waste Management
AUTHORS:
Sora Yi, Kiyo H. Kurisu, Keisuke Hanaki
KEYWORDS:
LCIA, Environmental Impact, Environmental Damage, Cultural Theory, LIME, Social Preference, NIMBY
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Environmental Protection,
Vol.5 No.12,
September
23,
2014
ABSTRACT: Life
cycle assessment (LCA) is one of the most widely used methods of decision
support. However, few studies have examined whether stakeholders prefer midpoint
or endpoint approaches. In this regard, the present study examines the
attitudes toward urban solid waste management, environmental issues, and
scenario evaluations by using midpoint and endpoint interpretations of LCA
results. This study introduces three types of social groups that typically
respond to environmental conflicts: the individualist, hierarchist, and
egalitarian groups. Although residents are likely to recognize global impacts
as the most important issue, their view is likely to change depending on system
and avoided emissions. Consistent with the Seoul Metropolitan Area’s new policy
designed to increase the incineration ratio, almost half of all respondents
preferred the scenario. Noteworthy is that the respondents’ preference for
midpoint and endpoint decision-making tools is not consistent with that in previous
studies. Most of the respondents indicated that the midpoint approach would be
better in evaluating environmental systems.