Social LCA of Perovskites: Initial Findings and Paths for Improvement

Social Life Cycle Assessments (S-LCAs) evaluate the social impacts of products across their life cycle, from manufacturing to end-of-life. They consider aspects such as working conditions, human rights, gender equity, health and safety, and community engagement [1]. While Environmental LCAs (E-LCAs) are well-established with clear methods, databases like Ecoinvent and GaBi, and standardized frameworks such as ISO 14040 and ISO 14044, S-LCAs remain less mature due to the complex and context-specific nature of social issues. Limited data availability and regional differences further complicate evaluations [2]. In the photovoltaic sector, S-LCAs are still rare, as most studies focus on environmental aspects such as carbon emissions and resource use. Yet social impacts are critical for ensuring fair labour conditions and ethical supply chains. Although UNEP guidelines provide a foundation, further efforts are needed to refine methods and develop standardized indicators for meaningful assessments [3]. This publication presents preliminary results of the social assessment of an innovative silicon/perovskite tandem module. The study identifies key social impacts, explores alternative material provenance or processing sites, and highlights routes to reduce negative impacts. Conducted within the NEXUS project, it contributes to Europe’s clean energy transition by supporting eco-designed, sustainable, and socially responsible PV production.