Methodological Framework to develop Life Cycle

The framework adopts a Life Cycle Thinking (LCT) approach, integrating the social, economic, and environmental pillars and advancing on existing knowledge and past projects, with a detailed and operative guidance on several methodological issues, study parameters, related consequences, CRFS-related examples. It operationalizes the CRFS approach from a system to an initiative (i.e. integrated local supply chain with multiple services) level, through a tentative definition of main typologies, products and services provided, sectors covered, etc. This definition is crucial to identify the aim of the study, the possible function(s) and system boundaries, the potential impacts and hotspots. Overall, CRFSI are profit or non-profit entities involved in one or more of the food systems stages, spanning from small to larger scale, with a relatively reduced workforce, the involvement of volunteers, and diffused use of digital solutions or online channels to disseminate their activities and/or sell their products.