The role of ecobalances in environmental decision-making

In order to assess the role of ecobalances in decision processes, an analysis was made of different ecobalances that have been used for environmental decision-making in Europe, in industry as well as in the public domain. Complementary to this case-study approach, the viewpoints and expectations of the different actors involved in environmental decision-making, more particularly in Belgium, were investigated. The results of the research allow identification of the potential role of ecobalances in participation and decision-making processes as well as the major bottlenecks that hinder a broader use of the instrument. Recommendations are formulated for LCA experts, public authorities, LCA commissioners and participating groups in order to overcome the existing bottlenecks.