04Sustainability Accounting and Optimization
We develop and apply tools and methodologies to assess the environmental, economic and social sustainability of complex systems.
Through this line we work to quantify the environmental, economic and social dimension of sustainability. Thus, we develop and apply tools and methodologies to assess the sustainability of complex systems; which final results assist the decision-making process of industries, governments and public agencies towards building more sustainable future.
Our niche areas of work and research include agricultural and food systems, waste management systems and environmental technologies. We address these areas through a life-cycle thinking and circular economy perspective. We are experts on the development of tools for data collection to generate robust Life Cycle Inventories; and also, on the development of specialized tools to quantify environmental burdens of systems. Furthermore, our group is recognized for providing technical advice and support in B2B and B2C communication of sustainability, by eco-labels and environmental marketing (e.g., ISO14025, ISO14067, ISO14046, PEF, etc.). This wide application of life-cycle thinking has allowed us to work and collaborate with many stakeholders in a trans-disciplinary network.
Within this research line, the BETA Center offers:
i) Sustainability assessments: Life Cycle Assessment, Life Cycle Costing and Social Life Cycle Assessment, both at the research level (e.g. participating in research projects) as well as a consultancy service for companies and administrations.
ii) Modelling & Software development to fulfil specific sustainability needs.
iii) Environmental verification & Ecolabelling.
iv) Corporate sustainability: We help private and public bodies to embrace transparency and deliver the information stakeholders need to make decisions regarding health, safety, environment, society and quality.
v) Training, courses and education: We offer life-cycle thinking training and courses to corporations as well as educational services to promote an educational change on society towards sustainable development.
