Life Cycle Inventory Programme


Aims of the LCI Programme

Based upon the last three aims of the Life Cycle Initiative, discussed in chapter 1, the aims of the LCI programme have been formulated in the Terms of Reference for the LCI Definition Study :
  • To facilitate life cycle inventory analysis and improve the reliability of its results, by promoting the development of and access to reviewed, publicly accessible LCI databases and/or information systems;
  • To harmonise existing bodies of LCA knowledge, and develop consistency in recommended practice;
  • To stimulate multidisciplinary scientific work in the fields of LCI and LCIA and possibly other LCA areas, under the leadership of UNEP and SETAC;
  • To ensure continuity of the presently ongoing scientific work, in the fields of LCI and LCIA and possibly other LCA areas;
  • To ensure that LCA is applicable on a global level (including developing countries); and
  • To present demonstration studies showing the successful application of the developed recommended practice.

Structure of the LCI Programme

The LCI Definition Study and proposed Task Forces (TFs) have emerged from a year-long process which included a global user needs survey and an international process of drafting, peer review, and discussions at multiple international workshops. The following LCI TFs are proposed:
  1. LCI Database Registry (‘guidance’ TF)
  2. LCI Database Characteristics and Quality (‘guidance TF’)
  3. LCI Methodological Consistency (‘guidance TF’)
  4. LCA Case Study Library for Meta-Analyses (‘practice TF’)
  5. LCI Databases and Capacity Building (‘practice TF’).
  6. Distance learning courses and materials.