Integration of life-cycle assessment and energy-social planning models: the case study of the province of Matera

The Life cycle assessment methodology is applied to the Matera Provincial Plan for a strategic environmental management. Life Cycle Assessment is explored as an analytical tool in management (Strategic Environmental Management), illustrated by case where a previously developed SEM process was applied to municipal energy planning in Province of Matera. The process integrated decision-making tools for scenario planning, public participation and environmental assessment. This article describes the use of LCA for environmental assessment in this context, with focus on methodology and practical experiences. While LCA provides a systematic framework for the environmental assessment and a wider systems perspective than what is required in SEM, LCA cannot address all aspects of environmental impact required, and therefore needs to be complemented by other tools. The integration of LCA with tools for public participation and scenario planning posed certain methodological challenges, but provided an innovative approach to designing the scope of the environmental assessment and defining and assessing alternatives.