Reference scale approach

Cinzia Capitano, Antonio Covais and Marzia Traverso

Chapter 137 in Elgar Encyclopedia of Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment, 2026, pp 507-513 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: The Reference Scale Approach is an impact assessment method in Social Life Cycle Assessment. Based on data, information, or judgements, it allows the estimation of the potential social impacts of a product, service, or process, thus enabling the assessment of the product system in terms of social performance or social risk. Specifically, it assesses the social performance of organisations’ activities in the product system on the basis of specific reference points of the intended activity (Performance Reference Points). By applying the S-LCA methodology according to this approach, the results obtained can be used as a basis for dialogue and interaction with stakeholders, promoting greater transparency and a better understanding of social concerns. In general, these types of approaches do not commonly establish a link between activity and long-term impacts in practice but, on the basis of available information, estimate the likely magnitude and importance of potential social impacts.

Keywords: Reference Scale Approach; Type I; S-LCA (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035309887
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