Outputs

Working Group 1 & 3: Application of LCA Data and Methodology in Policy Making and Regulation: Cross-Cutting Challenges and Research Priorities.

Lead Authors: Working Groups 1 & 3

If LCA is to be further embraced in policy making and (pre) regulatory developments to promote improved environmental outcomes, then there are several challenges that exist regarding LCA data and methodology. This summary outlines the key challenges, explains the stakes for the UK, and identifies 4 priority areas for research and action. 

Working Group 2: Outputs Report: Bio-based and Upcoming Materials

Lead Authors: Professor Marcelle McManus, Dr Lewis McDonald, Haniyeh Hajatnia, Gandhari Nawalage, Dr Rosa M. Cuéllar-Franca, Dr Piya Gosalvitr, Rebecca Dunn

This report presents a glossary of key terms alongside four case studies that examine the challenges associated with applying LCA in biobased and emerging systems. The glossary clarifies terminology commonly used in biobased and circular contexts, while the case studies (biofuels, circular materials, construction, and novel biomaterials) illustrate methodological issues including the treatment and storage of biogenic carbon, the modelling of circularity, and approaches to allocation and avoided impacts.

Working Group 2: Mapping of Standards Guidance and Regulatory Frameworks

Lead Authors: Working Group 2

This output contains the mapping of relevant standards and guidelines in bio-based materials.

Working Group 3: An Initial Review and Classification of Existing LCA Methodologies

Lead Author: You Wu

Contributing Authors: Nick Coleman, Stuart Coles

This deliverable provides an initial comprehensive review and structured classification of existing Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodologies. Given the extensive diversity of methodologies, this review systematically clarifies common standards, frameworks, and their sectoral relevance, focusing on recognised international standards such as ISO 14040/44, ISO 14067, and ISO 14025. This deliverable aims to support informed methodological choices, enhance the clarity of LCA practices, and identify critical methodological aspects essential for robust sustainability assessments across diverse sectors.

Working Group 4: LCA Accreditations: International Practices

Lead Authors: Alberto Iranzo, Keith James, Sarah Gray

Organisation: WRAP

The purpose of this report is to consider international best practice that could give policymakers greater confidence in using LCA to inform and evaluate policy, in order to test the above hypotheses. Specifically, it is focussed on discovering current practices around certification of LCA and LCA practitioners for regulatory science.

Working Group 4: Practice & Accreditation, Executive Summary

Lead Authors: Working Group 4

Working Group 4 recommends that formalisation of accreditation for LCA practitioners would give industry and policy makers confidence in their abilities and a guarantee of ethical conduct. This need will become more urgent as the weight of legislation prompted by environmental policies requires an increasing number of active professionals both undertaking LCA’s and verifying them.

Working Group 5: Examining the UK Skills Gap in Life Cycle Assessment

Lead Author: Ben Purvis

Contributing Authors: Rachael Rothman, Gavin Bunting, Sophie Cozien-Cazuc, Mauro Alejandro Cruz Mercado, Parnian Doostdar, Philippa Oldham, Andy Rees, Christopher Smith

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a vital tool for understanding the environmental impacts of products, services, and policy options across industry and the public sector. While its use is expanding, driven in part by regulatory requirements, the UK faces a fragmented LCA education and training landscape.

Working Group 5: Bridging the UK Skills Gap in Life Cycle Assessment

Lead Author: Ben Purvis

Contributing Authors: Rachael Rothman, Gavin Bunting, Sophie Cozien-Cazuc, Mauro Alejandro Cruz Mercado, Parnian Doostdar, Philippa Oldham, Andy Rees, Christopher Smith

This report outlines three broad categories of training and education available in the

UK for LCA skills: Higher Education, Short Courses, and Self-Directed Training. Following this, a series of recommendations for policy makers, industrial actors, and the wider LCA community are presented.

Network: Life Cycle Assessment & Regulatory Science

Lead Author: Stuart Walker

Contributing Authors: Rachael Rothman

This report aims to introduce Life Cycle Assessment and to clarify the definition of Regulatory Science, then to provide examples of current use of Life Cycle Assessment in Regulatory Science, to consider cases in which the method offers opportunities in future Regulatory Science, and to suggest cases where the use of Life Cycle Assessment may not be offer benefits.