The Contribution of Life Cycle Analyses and Circular Economy to the Sustainable Development Goals

This book offers a comprehensive review of life cycle assessment (LCA), circular economy (CE), and sustainable development, exploring their achievements and progress across the world. The book also emphasizes the significant contribution of LCA and CE to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), demonstrating how these frameworks can drive progress toward global sustainability targets. The main topics covered include the environmental and economic assessment of building materials, the life cycle of agricultural and bio-based products, the role of venture businesses in promoting CE, and the impact of CE on sustainable development. Additionally, the book discusses energy optimization in supply chains, the nexus between comparative advantage and the bio-based economy, and the use of CE frameworks in energy management for educational institutions. Key chapters highlight the valorization of waste materials for bioethanol production, the evolution of LCA studies on electric vehicle batteries, and the implementation of EDGE certification in Brazilian public schools. The book also explores the integration of LCA and CE in architectural education, the challenges and barriers to CE adoption in Nigeria, and the role of public policy in advancing CE in Brazil. These topics are critically important as they address the pressing need for sustainable practices in various industries. The integration of LCA and CE principles is crucial for minimizing environmental impacts, optimizing resource use, and fostering innovation in sustainable development. The book aims to solve the problem of how to effectively incorporate these principles into practice, providing methodological approaches, case studies, and policy perspectives that illustrate successful implementations and identify areas for improvement. The target audience for this book includes researchers, policymakers, industry professionals, and students interested in sustainability, environmental science, and circular economy practices. By offering in-depth analysis and practical insights, this book serves as a valuable resource for anyone seeking to understand and apply LCA and CE principles to achieve sustainable development goals.