Social LCA Scenarios: Engaging producers and consumers in new domestic oyster value chains in Denmark

Efforts to develop a Social LCA methodology target the need to account for social impacts in the life cycle of existing products. Most often, the objective is to provide scientific support for decisions on alternative suppliers and terms of governance in the value chain of a particular product. This paper suggests an application which shifts the focus to the design phase of life cycles of products and services yet to be constructed, not by a major lead company, but rather by start-ups and community groups.
Health concerns and negative environmental impacts of industrial food production motivate the development and testing of new systems of growing, distribution and consumption. Ecological farmers contest conventional production methods, home delivery of fresh vegetables bypasses physical markets, and new food paradigms change meal preparation and dining experiences.
One example is the entrepreneurs, NGOs and consumers setting up urban farming projects. One project attracting particular attention concerns maritime gardening: the growing, harvesting and eating of native oysters in the harbour of Copenhagen. The shift to container transport has deserted large dock areas in the harbour. Residential development along with new recreational spaces, including a public facility for swimming, is rising on the waterfront.