Assessing social and energy vulnerabilities through a novel S-LCA approach: A rural case study in Colombia’s Pacific region

Abstract Purpose This study applies a novel adaptation of Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA) at the community level, focusing on household-based dynamics rather than conventional product or service systems, to identify social hotspots in a Pacific coastal community in Colombia. The primary aim is diagnostic: to assess social risks and disparities in vulnerable populations using a household-based functional unit. While the study suggests potential solutions, such as decentralized biogas systems, these are derived from the findings and do not constitute prescriptive policy recommendations. Methods The assessment follows an adaptation of the UNEP guidelines for S-LCA and the PSILCA database. Three stakeholder groups (Workers, Local Community, and Society) were analyzed across six subcategories: Fair Salary, Child Labour, Safe and Healthy Living Conditions, Local Employment, Contribution to Economic Development, and Health & Safety. Social risks were evaluated using the reference scale approach, complemented by community-reported data on income, service access, waste management, and perceptions of well-being. It explicitly relies on primary data obtained through structured, in-person household surveys designed to capture socio-demographic, service access, and waste management information from 166 families. These data were complemented with secondary sources, including government reports and direct field observations. Results and discussion Findings reveal significant social disparities. The Workers group showed a very high risk in the Fair Salary subcategory, with the sector wage at only 60% of the living wage and a medium risk for Child Labour, particularly among boys. For the local community, drinking water coverage was non-existent (very high risk) despite high access to electricity (92%) and natural gas (83%), although these services often present intermittent supply and reliance on Liquefied Propane Gas cylinders. Waste management practices raise environmental concerns, with 45% of households disposing of waste into the sea. Under the Society stakeholder, the Global Peace Index indicates a very high risk due to regional insecurity, whereas public expenditure on health and education reflects a very low risk, suggesting effective national policies with local implementation gaps. Conclusions This research demonstrates the effectiveness of S-LCA as a diagnostic tool for identifying social vulnerabilities at the community level. It uses household-centered analysis to identify social risks and suggest targeted interventions. It expands the S-LCA methodology, addressing data limitations while providing a replicable framework for aligning policy with local needs. The findings underscore the importance of integrating low-cost, sustainable technologies, such as biogas systems, as a strategy aligned with Colombia’s Just Energy Transition roadmap. Recommendations Future studies should expand the methodology to other communities for comparative analysis and incorporate direct environmental measures to strengthen sustainability assessments. Policymakers should prioritize investments in decentralized energy solutions, waste management infrastructure, and literacy programs to address educational disparities and enhance economic opportunities, ensuring community engagement for sustainable outcomes.