Life Cycle Assessment Methodologies and Standards (LCA)

Day 1: Introduction to Sustainability and Life Cycle Thinking

• Introduction to sustainability concepts and life cycle thinking
• The process approach in the context of sustainability
• Overview of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methods and international standards (ISO)
• Defining the goal and scope of a Life Cycle Assessment

Day 2: Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) and Data Collection

• Understanding and developing the Life Cycle Inventory (LCI)
• Process routes identification and analysis
• Determination of unit processes and system boundaries
• Functional unit determination and its importance in LCA
• Environmental data collection techniques and best practices

Day 3: Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA)

• Introduction to Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) methodology
• Key LCIA steps: Classification, Characterisation, Normalisation, and Weighting
• Identifying and assessing impact categories
• Understanding environmental and social performance indicators
• Determination of elementary flows and product flows

Day 4: Interpretation, Modelling, and Reporting

• Fate modelling, including midpoint and endpoint modelling techniques
• Interpretation of LCA results and ensuring their relevance and accuracy
• Preparing reports for internal and external stakeholders
• Understanding the LCA critical review process and its requirements
• Application of LCA results in decision-making and sustainability strategies

Day 5: Practical Applications and LCA Software Tools

• Introduction to LCA software tools: SimaPro, GaBi, and OpenLCA
• Practical guidance on setting up and conducting an LCA using software
• Reviewing sample LCA reports and identifying key elements
• Best practices for applying LCA in product development, policy-making, and corporate sustainability programs
• Summary of key learning points and final discussions