Sustainable Life Cycle Modeling

The focus of this workshop is on conducting Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in accordance with the methods and standards defined by the International Standards Organization (ISO 14040). This methodology provides useful information on a product’s life cycle impact on the environment, hence strategic to making decisions about design, policy, acquisition, and corporate strategy. From this training, technical know-how, based on research and knowledge in this quick-evolving area of circularity is provided through a case study using OpenLCA tool. The structure is a hybrid form (both online and on-site), where lectures, case study demonstrations, exercises and discussions will be the mode of learning.

The training aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to conduct sustainability studies, including environmental, economic, and social impact assessments. It also covers eco-design, chemical risk assessment, and the EU Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) framework, along with an overview of sustainability reporting and the corporate sustainability due diligence directive. The course consists of four modules.

Module 1 focuses on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) following ISO 14040 standards. This method provides crucial information on a product's environmental impact throughout its life cycle, aiding in strategic decisions related to design, policy, and corporate strategy.

Module 2 addresses economic aspects using Material Flow Cost Accounting (MFCA) based on ISO 14051 to evaluate the economic feasibility of processes and products, optimizing resource efficiency and supporting sustainable economic decisions in industrial settings.

Module 3 explores Social Life Cycle Assessment in line with ISO 14040 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It examines the impacts of material sourcing, production, use, and end-of-life on stakeholders, providing tools, requirements, and case studies for a comprehensive understanding of social considerations in sustainability.

Module 4 covers eco-design, chemical risk assessment (CRA), and EU SSbD. It includes practical CRA exercises and an introduction to sustainability reporting and the European corporate sustainability due diligence directive.