Abstract Purpose This study proposes a multi-level framework to operationalize Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) for road pavements and materials. Despite its conceptual maturity, LCSA implementations in the road sector remain rare due to methodological complexity, heterogeneous system boundaries, inconsistent functional units (FU), and limited social assessment integration. The research question addresses how LCSA can be scalable and sector-specific while remaining methodologically coherent. Methods The framework was developed through a qualitative and semi-quantitative synthesis of (1) literature on LCSA and life-cycle-based assessments in the road sector, (2) existing multi-tier frameworks, and (3) applied case study experience. Key methodological parameters (i.e., goal, product system, FU, system boundaries, impact assessment, data representativeness, and circularity assessment) were structured across three assessment levels. System boundaries and environmental impact categories were prioritized using a scoring approach based on relevance, certainty, robustness, and consensus. Social assessment follows a progressive integration from Social Risk Assessment to Social Life Cycle Performance Assessment and Social Life Cycle Impact Assessment. Circularity is incorporated through EoL, as well as qualitative and quantitative indicators (Material Circularity Indicator). Results and discussion The resulting framework enables consistent alignment of core methodological parameters across environmental, economic, social, and circularity dimensions while linking assessment depth to project stage, data availability, and practitioner expertise. Entry-level assessments support early planning decisions using robust parameters based on known hotspots. Higher levels expand system boundaries and impact coverage, while relying on more specific data. The structured FU and equivalent system boundaries enhance comparability and transparency. Progressive social assessment addresses methodological heterogeneity without imposing fixed indicator sets, but already suggesting common hotspots related to the road sector. The framework balances methodological rigor with practical feasibility, reducing barriers to LCSA implementation in road infrastructure. Conclusions The proposed multi-level framework provides a scalable and sector-specific structure for implementing LCSA in the road construction sector. By combining methodological consistency with adaptable assessment depth, the framework facilitates broader application of life-cycle-based sustainability assessment while maintaining transparency and coherence across dimensions.
Haverkamp et al. (Mon,) studied this question.