Introduction to Mass Balance Chain of Custody

C. Jason Pierce, Senior Technical Leader, Eastman

Mass Balance chain of custody is a market-based mechanism that is integral to a myriad of large-scale systems including the circular economy, sustainable agriculture, and renewable energy. This course will provide a basic overview of the five chain of custody systems defined in ISO 22095 with an in-depth focus on how mass balance chain of custody works. Advantages and challenges with mass balance chain of custody will be summarized.
The course will conclude with an overview of the needs for guidance to LCA practitioners on how to account for mass balance chain of custody in LCA and EPDs, and how ACLCA is responding to this need via a mass balance / chain of custody working group.

EEIO LCA Basics & Hybrid LCA

Milena Rangelov, Carbon and Data Scientist, Watershed Technologies

Increased pressures from the investors, clients, and regulators have increased the importance of corporate GHG reporting. In this context, Scope 3 emissions are particularly material and often estimated using economic-environmental input-output (EEIO) approaches and, less frequently, product LCAs. The purpose of this workshop is to help LCA practitioners leverage various LCA methods for efficacious and comprehensive estimation of Scope 3, category 1 for corporate GHG accounting.

The first part of the workshop will educate participants on basics of EEIO models and their underlying math. This enhanced understanding can help participants unlock variety of insights into the EEIO emission factors, including input contribution analysis and emission sources. Accordingly, these methods can help elucidate reduction opportunities in the supply chain and inform future corporate efforts to engage supply chain and increase the collection of primary data.
The second half of this workshop will cover a few examples on how to leverage EEIO methods in synergy with process-based LCAs and develop hybrid LCA methodologies to improve the resolution and specificity of Scope 3 accounting.
Participants should come to the session with their laptops. Access to Excel, Google Sheets, and Python (e.g. via Jupyther notebooks) is recommended to be able to follow the exercises.

Flexible Multi-Database and Hybrid LCA with Antelope

Brandon Kuczenski, Principal, Scope 3 Consulting

Antelope is an LCA modeling and computation framework that enables a user to build flexible, modular models quickly and easily. Antelope was designed around the principle that product system models can be described precisely without including the data on which those models are based. The architecture is designed to break up the distinct computational tasks of LCA into different interfaces for easier management. The software enables a user to compute LCAs without installing any data on their computer.
In the course, I will demonstrate how to install the free version of the software in a python environment and use it to perform on-the-fly LCIA and contribution analysis from a variety of free LCI databases, particularly drawn from the US Federal LCA commons. During this phase, the course will demonstrate techniques for benchmarking LCI data and performing quality review of LCIA scores. The second phase will focus on model building. Enrollees will learn how to build modular models that utilize multiple independent data sources, generate graphical and tabular results, and run scenarios.
If the 3-hour workshop is selected, the course will cover greater depth and breadth, provide increased opportunities for technical support, and include demonstrations of software interoperability with OpenLCA and brightway.

Social LCA; Why, What, and How!
Monique Bennema, SustainMatters
Beatrice Bortolozzo, CEO, 2B Srl

We will begin the session with a concise overview of the need for conducting S-LCA caused by the growing demand for a deeper understanding of social impacts within the supply chain. Next, we will introduce the Social LCA methodology, which provides a comprehensive approach to evaluating the social impacts of products and services throughout their entire lifecycle. Our discussion will cover the UN guidelines for S-LCA and the methodological sheets. Furthermore, we will explore the practical application of a generic database, such as the Social Hotspots DataBase, for conducting S-LCA. Several case studies will be shared to illustrate real-world scenarios.
Additionally, we will delve into the Handbook for Product Social Impact Assessment, a framework developed by a consortium of companies under the guidance of PRé Sustainability. This framework enables collecting primary data and evaluating positive and negative social impacts across the supply chain. Through case studies, we will demonstrate the practical implementation of this framework.
Furthermore, we will provide you with the latest updates on developing an ISO standard for S-LCA.

By the end of this workshop, you will:
• Gain a clear understanding of how to formulate a business case for conducting S-LCA (Why)
• Familiarize yourself with the fundamental concepts of S-LCA, including stakeholder categories and social impact considerations (What)
• Learn practical techniques for conducting S-LCAs at the product/service, company, and industry levels using the SHDB (How)
• Develop the skills to measure product-specific and company-wide social footprints, identifying social hotspots in the process (How)
• Comprehend the Product Social Impact Assessment framework (What)
• Explore different data sources and risk assessment methods relevant to S-LCA (How)

This workshop is designed for anyone interested in gaining an introduction to S-LCA, its methods, and applications, and learning how to conduct an S-LCA whether you are a professional, a researcher, or simply curious about socially sustainable practices, we welcome your participation.

The Deathly Hallows of LCA

Shayan Jamil, Environmental Professional, Earthworks

One of the obstacles to the broader use of LCA is the difficulties in the understanding and communication of results (Hollberg, et al., 2021). An effective LCA visualization must specify: Hotspots, correlation and sensitivity, benchmarks, spatial distribution, and temporal distribution.
Some examples on the most commonly used visualizations from the 27 different types of visualizations discussed in the published literature.

The impact of a given elementary flow depends on where that flow occurs – this is the general trend observed in LCIA methods (Potting & Hauschild, 2006). The limitation of input data availability for distinct regions and specific characterization models is either addressed through spatial interpolation and autocorrelation or by aggregation method (Mutel, et al., 2020). Example of how a recent LCA study was conducted using regional and global characterization factors.

Characterization factors are expressed using the reference units (Acero, Rodríguez, & Ciroth, 2015). Comparing the most commonly applied impact assessment methods (CML, TRACI, PEF, ReCiPe), the reference units are the mandrake (plants) of LCA. Acidification potential is expressed as kgSO2-eq and also as mole H+-eq. Eutrophication potential as kg-N-eq and also as kgPO4-eq. Smog formation potential as kgC2H4-Eq, kgO3Eq and also as Kg NMVOC. Examples of conversion factors when integrating characterization factors with different reference units. "

The Role of LCA in Corporate GHG Accounting

Milena Rangelov, Carbon Expert, Watershed Technologies

As more corporations are making climate pledges and commitments, the significance reliable accounting and reporting of GHG emissions gaining greater significance. LCA is a versatile tool that can meaningfully support corporate GHG accounting, in particular Scope 3 reporting. In this workshop, we will explore synergies between LCA and GHG accounting and feasible way to integrate the two types of analysis towards more comprehensive corporate and product-based carbon footprint. The session will be interactive, with a multitude of practical examples, discussions and opportunities for knowledge exchange among participants. Participants will be able to learn about how LCA work can be leveraged through GHG accounting process and how the GHG data can be used to inform LCA.

Journey to Net-Zero: Models, Methods, and Tools

Bhavik Bakshi, Arizona State University, Professor

Most corporations and nations have pledged to reach net-zero emissions of greenhouse gases within a few decades. Meeting this pledge in an economically feasible, socially desirable, and ecologically viable manner requires models, methods and software tools to guide the transition. In addition to considering the life cycle emissions of greenhouse gases and other environmental impacts, companies also need to identify promising emerging technologies, and develop a roadmap for a sustainable transition while accounting for long-term changes such as the energy mix and climate. Furthermore, minor changes in the current system may not be enough for meeting environmental challenges: a complete reinvention of the industry may be needed.

LCA Critical Review - Best Practices

Terrie Boguski, Owner, Harmony Environmental, LLC

Critical review of LCA has evolved from recommended peer review in the early '90s to the detailed requirements of ISO/TS 14071 in 2014 and beyond. Critically reviewed LCAs are now required to support and verify type III Environmental Declarations. This course covers the LCA critical review process, best practices and how to get the most benefit from a critical review. Attendees will find answers to these questions:
• When is a critical review needed?
• How should reviewers be selected?
• What is the review process and my role in it?
• How can I prepare the LCA report for critical review?
Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in an LCA review (for educational purpose only).

Using Federal LCA Commons Resources to Submit Data to the USLCI

Jacob Namovich, Life Cycle Analyst, Eastern Research Group

Sarah Cashman, Vice President / Director of Life Cycle Services, Eastern Research Group

The Federal LCA Commons (FLCAC) is evolving to be more aligned with international LCI data standards and conventions. The USLCI and other FLCAC repositories are now publishing according to, and being retro-fitted to align with, emerging FLCAC data guidelines. The National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL), in partnership with the USDA National Agricultural Library (NAL), has developed a comprehensive online USLCI data publication handbook and online support tools to help implement a streamlined, transparent, user-focused USLCI publication workflow. The handbook and support tools outline how to prepare your data for publication to the USLCI, including: data extractions, file export and conversions, metadata descriptors, nomenclature, categorization, and the representation of flows and processes. There are also detailed descriptions on how to use openLCA to prepare your data, and how NREL will support the publication of your work. The USLCI data handbook and support tools are fully aligned and compliant with the emerging FLCAC conventions and data guidelines.

The objectives of this course are to:

• update participants on the status of the FLCAC resources and how to navigate and obtain public data for use in their projects, and

• to use online USLCI support resources to walk participants through formatting and submitting their data for publication in the USLCI. The course will walk through the publication workflow from a local file to published dataset on lcacommons.gov using openLCA and the LCA Collaboration Server (a repository and version control software developed through a cooperative agreement between USDA and GreenDelta).

At the end of the course, the user will have a clear understanding of steps to publish LCI data on the USLCI, gain deeper insight into the Federal LCA Commons, and become aware of other developments in this space.

An Introduction to Agent-Based Life Cycle Assessment with Python

Dr. Julien Walzberg, Researcher, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)

Since Davis et al. (2009) seminal article combining life cycle assessment (LCA) and agent-based modeling (LCA), so called AB-LCA have become more and more popular (with 10 publications referenced in Scopus in 2022 alone). ABM can improve the realism of system modeling in LCA, especially regarding consumption and the use phase. For example, in the context of the circular economy, ABM can simulate consumers’ waste disposal behaviors and determine which are the explanatory factors behind them, while LCA informs on the environmental impacts of such behaviors.

This course will shortly present the benefits of using ABM in LCA studies through examples from the literature (part 1: 45-60 minutes), provide a hands-on tutorial on ABM (part 2: 45-60 minutes) followed by a concrete modeling exercise combining ABM and LCA (part 3: 60-75 minutes). The course will make use of the ABM Python library Mesa as well as the LCA Python library Brightway2. To enhance the learning experience, the ABM tutorial and AB-LCA exercise will be presented through a Jupyter Notebook that will be made available to participants ahead of the course. In addition to providing an introduction to ABM, the course will also be a great example of how participants could take advantage of the many available Python libraries and combine them with Brightway2 to enhance LCA studies.

Using Open Model-Linked LCI Templates to Automate LCA/EPD Results

Rebe Feraldi, Senior Systems Engineer, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

This interactive workshop invites participants to walk through the workflow of using the new PNNL LCI Luminaire Template for streamlining and automating generation of LCA/EPD results. Participants will learn how this approach can be adapted to other product categories. The expected audience for this special workshop will range—from non-LCA expert industry stakeholders and public agency representatives developing implementation plans for Federal Sustainability Plan programs [2]—to those experience in developing PCRs and EPDs such as LCA practitioners, consultants, reviewers, members to the ACLCA 2022 PCR Open Standard [3] User Group, and Product Category Rule (PCR) Committee members and Program Operators [4]. The primary focus and expected outcomes will be on sharing practical experience in how model-linked, PCR-conformant LCI data collection templates can streamline and automate the process for generation of standardized, comparable LCA/EPD results. The workshop will include demos for functionalities including data quality and uncertainty information, flagging results for ACLCA 2022 PCR Open Standard tiers eligibility, automating geospatial granularity in supply chain data collection, and interoperable linking of provider-specific foreground to a mix of public and proprietary background datasets.

[1] EPDs are Type III Environmental Declarations based on life cycle assessment (see ISO 14040) results providing quantified environmental data using predetermined parameters and, where relevant, additional environmental information as defined in ISO 14025
[2] Both LCA and EPDs are environmental accounting and labeling methodologies, respectively, specified in the US Federal Sustainability Plan, Inflation Reduction Act, and US Federal Buy Clean Program.
[3] ACLCA 2022 PCR Open Standard: Creating standardized, consistent, and reliable PCRs & EPDs for transparency, procurement, and supply chain data; see: https://aclca.org/pcr/
[4] Product Category Rules are a specific set of rules, requirements, and guidelines for developing EPDs and footprint communications for one or more product categories as defined in ISO 14027; core rules are PCRs that apply across multiple categories, e.g., ISO 21930 for construction products and services; PCR Committees compile these rules in an open consultation process
[5] Interoperable Federal LCA Commons repos including: the Electricity Baseline or eLCI, the USLCI Database, and EPA’s Heavy Equipment repository: see: https://www.lcacommons.gov/

EoL Allocation Approaches in LCA

Christoph Koffler, Technical Director, Sphera

The workshop will give an overview of the theoretical underpinnings and practical implementation of the most common EoL allocation approaches in LCA, including avoided burden, cut-off, substitution, embodied burden, and value-corrected substitution approach.

The attendees will gain a better understanding of the differences and commonalities between the different approaches as well as the strengths and weaknesses. This will help them both in applying the approaches in their own work as well as increasing their LCA literacy regarding work published by others.