Sustainability evaluation of nanotechnology processing and production

Abstract

This article discusses the current situation and challenges posed by nanotechnology from a sustainabilitypoint of view. It presents an objective methodology to evaluate the sustainability of nanotechnologyproducts, based on a life cycle thinking approach, a framework particularly suited to assess all current andfuture relevant economic, societal and environmental impacts products and processes. It is grounded on ahierarchical definition of indicators, starting from 3D indicators that take into account all relevantdimensions of sustainability and support decision making, and continue to more specific 2D and 1Dindicators that address specific issues. This article also identifies the key aspects that should beconsidered when assessing the sustainability of current and future nanotechnology products or where itperforms a central role.