2015 Volume 11 Issue 2 Pages 97-103
The UNEP/SETAC Life Cycle Initiative launched in 2013 the flagship project “LCA of organizations”. It aims to show that, although life cycle approach was originally considered for products, its application on organizations is relevant, meaningful and already feasible within the framework of product LCA standards. The centerpiece of the project is the so-called organizational life cycle assessment（O-LCA）that is a compilation and evaluation of the inputs, outputs and potential environmental impacts of the activities associated with the organization adopting a life-cycle-perspective. The methodology follows the four-phase approach of the product LCA, with some specificity at the scope and inventory level. The project is organized in three main tasks. Tasks 1 and 2 have been devoted to the preparation of a Guidance document. The Guidance builds on existing internationally-agreed guides, methods and standards on the assessment of the environmental performance of organizations, and particularly strives to align with the upcoming ISO/TS 14072. To date, more than 100 participants have contributed to the drafting and consolidation of the document, and eleven early experiences in companies were included. During the third task, to start in spring 2015. the Guidance will be road-tested in real organizations. This paper aims to show an overview of the flagship project, the Guidance and the O-LCA concept.
