We have learnt that it is important to monitor the environmental impacts of critical raw materials, their mining, and the whole life cycle of the products for which they are used. But what about their impacts on humans? Tatiana Vakhitova from Ansys (former Granta Design) will explain how social impacts are assessed.

If you are interested in learning more about performing a social LCA with EduPack data, read the following paper:

Social Life Cycle Assessment

The full process of Social LCA is lengthy and detailed. It can take months to apply and expert knowledge is often required. Therefore, Ansys with Professor Mike Ashby (founder of Granta Design) developed the Social Impact Audit Tool (SIAT). This tool provides a quick illustrative introduction to the human and social impacts of products during their life.

SIAT follows the methodology detailed in the UNEP/SETAC S-LCA Guidelines (2009) and uses data from Ansys Granta EduPack. The tool flags social hotspots or points in the life of a product where potential harmful practices appear, or where opportunities to increase the well-being of stakeholders exist.