Outline of a Project on the Application of LCA to Local Measures and Remaining Tasks on the Project

Abstract

The outline of a project on the application of LCA to local measures in Chiba and Iwate prefectures were summarized. We described seven remaining tasks on the project from the results of joint research program with these two prefectures. Seven remaining tasks are related to inventory data construction, impact assessment, consideration of local characteristics, comparison of alternatives, treatment of complex systems, inter-relationship of environmental impacts among regions and assessment of time schedule. Demand of LCA application to local measures will rise in the near future, because local governments have paid attention to construct effective environmental measures, such as decreasing the greenhouse gases emission, promoting carbon labeling and the environmental model city project. Life cycle thinking approach related to local measures should consider these seven tasks. We will research and develop an LCA methodology for realistically supporting measures taken by local governments and regional activities.