A Systematic Review of LCA and OpenLCA Applications for Carbon Emission Mapping in Processes

This paper examines how Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), particularly when conducted using OpenLCA software, is being applied to measure and manage carbon emissions in various processes. With many industrial and operational processes contributing significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions, tools like LCA have become essential to track where emissions come from and how to reduce them across entire production and service chains. OpenLCA, in particular, has emerged as a widely used platform due to its open-source nature, adaptability, and support for a variety of global databases. These features make it accessible not only to researchers but also to industries and policymakers aiming to design greener and more sustainable process operations. This study systematically reviews 36 peer-reviewed papers published between 2015 and 2025. The selected studies cover a broad range of applications, including last-mile delivery, multimodal freight transport, warehousing operations, and integrated supply chains. The review process followed PRISMA guidelines to ensure transparency and a structured selection of relevant literature. The findings highlight recurring low-carbon strategies, such as the adoption of electric vehicles, optimization of routing systems, and modal shifts to more sustainable transport options. Despite these innovations, the review also identifies common limitations. These include the lack of region-specific emission data, inconsistencies in defining system boundaries, and minimal attention to uncertainty analysis within LCA models. In conclusion, the review reinforces the importance of LCA and OpenLCA specifically in guiding various process sectors toward more sustainable practices. However, to make these tools even more effective, there is a need for higher-quality datasets, harmonized methodologies, and a stronger focus on context-specific applications in both developed and developing regions.