Bruk av LCA i norsk avfallshåndtering for å øke bærekraft: muligheter og utfordringer

Abstract

The determination to be the first carbon-neutral continent has led to the publication of the European Green Deal (EGD) by the European Commission. The need to reduce greenhouse gas and enhance resource efficiency are essential to drive Europe towards the goal. A number of policies and directives published by the European Union (EU) emphasised the importance of waste prevention, proper end-of-life treatment and resource utilisation using a life cycle approach to promote circular economy (CE). Waste management sector therefore will play a significant role in transitioning to a resource efficient and sustainable society, and life cycle thinking will be essential to support EGD initiatives.

This thesis explores the current development of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in the waste management sector in Norway and how LCA can be utilised better to support sustainable development. Key barriers include complexity in waste stream, data availability, lack of standards and limited resources. Yet, an increasing trend in adopting LCA is observed. By conducting semi-structured interviews with waste management experts, literature review and PESTLE (Political, Economic, Sociological, Technological, Legal and Environmental) analysis, the trend of using LCA for waste management is presented. Motivations and constraints in adopting LCA in a waste company are also identified.

Innovation Diffusion Theory (IDT) is used as a theoretical background to analyse the latest adoption progress of LCA in the Norwegian waste management sector. IDT provides a framework to understand how different factors will affect the diffusion process of an innovation within an organisation, in this case LCA. The study also examines the potential of CE transitions in mobilising the adoption of LCA as an external stimulator.

The findings highlighted that political intervention and legal requirements from the EU and the Norwegian government are the major drivers for using LCA in waste management companies. A higher adoption in the sector is expected. Waste management companies in Norway are equipped with a sustainability and circularity mindset, yet, a stronger push of sustainability across other sectors and favourable policies are needed to enhance the competitiveness of the waste management sector under the CE model. Standardisation and collaboration are also essential to further boost the utilisation of LCA in the sector.

The determination to be the first carbon-neutral continent has led to the publication of the European Green Deal (EGD) by the European Commission. The need to reduce greenhouse gas and enhance resource efficiency are essential to drive Europe towards the goal. A number of policies and directives published by the European Union (EU) emphasised the importance of waste prevention, proper end-of-life treatment and resource utilisation using a life cycle approach to promote circular economy (CE). Waste management sector therefore will play a significant role in transitioning to a resource efficient and sustainable society, and life cycle thinking will be essential to support EGD initiatives.

This thesis explores the current development of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in the waste management sector in Norway and how LCA can be utilised better to support sustainable development. Key barriers include complexity in waste stream, data availability, lack of standards and limited resources. Yet, an increasing trend in adopting LCA is observed. By conducting semi-structured interviews with waste management experts, literature review and PESTLE (Political, Economic, Sociological, Technological, Legal and Environmental) analysis, the trend of using LCA for waste management is presented. Motivations and constraints in adopting LCA in a waste company are also identified.

Innovation Diffusion Theory (IDT) is used as a theoretical background to analyse the latest adoption progress of LCA in the Norwegian waste management sector. IDT provides a framework to understand how different factors will affect the diffusion process of an innovation within an organisation, in this case LCA. The study also examines the potential of CE transitions in mobilising the adoption of LCA as an external stimulator.

The findings highlighted that political intervention and legal requirements from the EU and the Norwegian government are the major drivers for using LCA in waste management companies. A higher adoption in the sector is expected. Waste management companies in Norway are equipped with a sustainability and circularity mindset, yet, a stronger push of sustainability across other sectors and favourable policies are needed to enhance the competitiveness of the waste management sector under the CE model. Standardisation and collaboration are also essential to further boost the utilisation of LCA in the sector.