Coordinator: Giampaolo Campana (UniBo, Italy) & Monica Fabrizio (CNR, Italy)
Starting from the original well-known definition based on the Triple Bottom Line concept, Sustainability is entering a new age. The term has sometimes become overused; new definitions have emerged; several methods and tools to evaluate the life cycle impact of products are available. Even if not definitely accepted, new rules and standards are proposed to certify not only products’ but complex systems' sustainability (such as the EPD, Environment Product Declaration, for example).
Critical issues of available methods and tools are still under analysis (the need for an interpretation of the results of life cycle impact assessment, availability and reliability of databases, availability of local data, and other items). Indeed, a new concept is underway that must surpass all the critical aspects by introducing a risk-sustainability assessment to become a shared standard practice soon.
Rethinking risk and environmental assessments to support the transition towards climate neutrality and a sustainable-toxic-free environment is the new frontier. For this purpose, the Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design materials, (manufacturing) processes and products concept is the object of recent research projects for establishing the guiding principles of this innovative approach. Chemicals, materials, products, and processes that are safer and more sustainable by design are expected to be investigated and enter the markets only after being evaluated through reliable, shared and overall accepted methods and tools. This concept development and its practical uses represent a societal urgency and a great economic opportunity for the European manufacturing industry to regain competitiveness.
The aims of this sub-program are to focus on materials, (manufacturing) processes and products for energy applications by considering and integrating scientific research and development approaches with a practical application of the Safe-and-Sustainable-by-Design and the Regulatory Preparedness concept.
All three pillars of sustainability are considered: environmental, social, and economic.
This transversal sub-programme aims to collaborate with all AMPEA SPs as well as other EERA JPs.