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, Ferdinand Kähler, Niels de Beus, and Dr. Ángel Puente (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 becomes an essential tool for evaluating the environmental impacts of products and processes, procurement and sustainability professionals must understand how varying standards and data quality influence outcomes.

This session will explore specifically the use of supplier-specific data in LCAs, but also Scope 3 emissions. We will present real-world examples demonstrating how standards affect results, alongside best practices for ensuring high-quality and reliable LCA data. Special attention will be given to the role of renewable feedstocks, Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU), mass balance approaches, and electricity sourcing, all of which significantly shape LCA results.

Participants will gain practical knowledge on navigating the complexities of LCA standards, ensuring data consistency, and leveraging supplier data to make informed decisions. This session is tailored for professionals looking to enhance their sustainability strategies and reduce their carbon footprints through informed LCA practices.

Topics:

• Introduction to LCA: Importance for procurement and sustainability
• Supplier-specific data
• Impact of different LCA standards on results
• Data quality
• Key factors influencing LCA: Renewable feedstocks, CCU, mass balance, and electricity sourcing
• Practical case study from industry

Program:

14:00–14:10 Welcome and Tour de Table, Dr. Matthias Stratmann, nova-Institute

14:10–14:30 Introduction to Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Dr. Matthias Stratmann, nova-Institute

• Overview of LCA and its importance for sustainability and procurement
• Role of supplier-specific data in LCA
• Current industry efforts to facilitate data sharing

14:30–14:40 Industry Perspective (Guest Speaker – TBA)

• View from Industry: Problems, Current Demands, Challenges

14:40–15:00 Different Standards, Different Results (CASE STUDY 1), Ferdinand Kähler, nova-Institute

•  How different LCA methods impact LCA results
• Case examples: Comparing outcomes from different standards

15:00–15:20 Quality of LCA Data (CASE STUDY 2), Niels de Beus, nova-Institute

• Criteria for high-quality and reliable data
• Best practices for ensuring consistent LCA assessments
• From hot-spot analysis to peer-reviewed data

15:20–15:40 Main Levers in Renewable Feedstocks, Dr. Ángel Puente, nova-Institute

• System boundaries in LCA
• The role of Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU)
• Mass balance
• The impact of electricity sourcing on LCA outcomes

15:40–16:00 Discussion & wrap-up, Dr. Matthias Stratmann, nova-Institute

This session offers valuable insights for professionals in procurement, sustainability, and supply chain management, equipping them with knowledge on how to navigate the evolving landscape of LCA.