nova Session: Challenges and Developments in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) (online)

nova Session: Challenges and Developments in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) (online)

Hosts: Dr. Matthias Stratmann and Nadja Wulff (all nova-Institute)
14:00 – 16:00 h (CET), online

In this upcoming nova-Session (6 November 2024, 14-16h, CET), we will provide not only a general introduction to Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) but also dive in the complexities and challenges surrounding its application. As LCA continues to serve as a critical tool for assessing the environmental impacts of products and processes, it is essential to understand the implications of methodological choices.

The session will provide a comparative analysis of various LCA methods and standards, illustrating how these variations affect the calculation of the Product Carbon Footprint (PCF). We will also discuss the importance of defining the correct scope at the outset of an LCA, as setting a clear and appropriate scope is crucial for ensuring accurate and meaningful results. Additionally, we will explore the role of Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) in LCA, explaining how the maturity of a technology influences the reliability and relevance of the assessment.

Participants will gain insights into how the selection of different standards shapes the LCA outcomes, and what this means for companies aiming to reduce their carbon footprints. With LCA playing an increasingly central role in sustainability strategies, the need for standardised methods that provide consistent and comparable results is greater than ever. This session will provide a thorough exploration of these issues, equipping participants with the knowledge to navigate the complex landscape of LCA and its evolving applications.