Environmental Performance Analysis using the LCA-based Environmental Decision Matrix: A Novel Model Framework for Analysing the Entire Chain of Activities

Due to increasingly stringent environmental requirements and regulations, companies are facing the challenge of continuously analysing and improving their individual environmental performance. In this context, simple yet flexible tools are required to analyse environmental performance not only at the site, but also along the upstream and downstream process chains. This article presents a novel model framework in which a dynamic environmental decision matrix (EDM) is linked with the results of an environmental life cycle assessment (LCA). The model framework can be used by companies for further decision-making, particularly regarding the development of environmental strategies for optimising the environmental performance of companies along the entire activity chains. An exemplary implementation of the EDM-LCA coupling is shown and, finally, future research aspects are highlighted.