Life Cycle Assessment Fundamentals

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), a critical tool for evaluating the environmental impacts of products, processes, and services across their entire life cycle. Students will learn the principles, methodologies, and applications of LCA, equipping them with the skills necessary to assess the sustainability of products from cradle to grave, including raw material extraction, manufacturing, transportation, use, and disposal.

Duration

2 days

Course Objectives

The course will cover the four key phases of LCA: goal and scope definition, inventory analysis, impact assessment, and interpretation. Based on ISO 14040 (Life Cycle Assessment principles and framework), ISO 14044 (Life Cycle Assessment requirements and guidelines) and ISO 14067 (GHG - carbon footprint of products) students will learn the terminology, requirements and how to evaluate a LCA study.

Who is it for?

• Sustainability and ESG professionals responsible for implementing and tracking ESG initiatives and performance.
• Product Stewardship professionals.
• Individuals responsible for ensuring that their organization adheres to regulations, policies, and ethical standards.
• Environmental, Social, and Governance Consultants.
• Sustainability managers interested in complying with specific client requirements on LCA.

Materials

Students will get access to electronic materials online for reference during and after the course. Although ERM CVS will make an effort to have standards available to the students for reference during the course, due to copyright, it is expected that students bring their own standards to the course. Students are required to have webcam and microphone available and on during the course.

Course Highlights

• Main concepts and terminology
• LCA goal and scope
• LCA inventory
• Impact assessment
• PCRs & EPDs
• Interpretation screening vs. full LCA
• LCA Reporting requirements
• Critical reviews and assurance

Prerequisites

Although there is no pre-requisite for this course, it is recommended that students are familiar with GHG accounting basic concepts.