LCA Fundamentals in Practice: A Hands-On Introduction to SimaPro

• Identify and define the successive stages of an LCA
• Distinguish between the different formats for presenting LCA results
• Build and configure a simplified LCA model in SimaPro
• Use SimaPro's result analysis and interpretation functions

This training is organised into two modules:

Module 1 — 3 days — Process-based modelling (prerequisite for Module 2) Module 1 is compulsory and applies to all participants.

Module 2 — 1 day — Product stage modelling Module 2 is elective and relevant depending on the product or service typology under study and the objectives of the LCA being conducted. Enrolment in Module 1 and/or Module 2 is determined in part by a pre-registration orientation questionnaire. All participants complete a minimum of 3 days and a maximum of 4 days of training.

 

Day 1 — LCA Fundamentals (Module 1)

• Introduction to eco-design
• Definition, reference frameworks, and rationale for life cycle assessment
• Core principles of LCA standards
• Applying the stages of an LCA through practical exercises:
  • Goal and scope definition
  • Life cycle inventory (LCI) analysis
  • Life cycle impact assessment (LCIA)
  • Interpretation of graphical results

Day 2 — Process-based modelling (Module 1)

• SimaPro within an LCA workflow
• Key LCA concepts applied to the case study: goal definition, scope, functional unit, life cycle outline
• Data in SimaPro: sources and structure
• SimaPro architecture
• Guided exercise: defining a modelling structure and implementing it in SimaPro
• Guided exercise: modelling a product using a process-based approach

Day 3 — Process-based modelling, continued (Module 1)

• Completing the guided exercise: process-based product modelling
• Guided exercise: using SimaPro's result analysis and interpretation functions
• Guided exercise: configuring a parameterised model
• Introduction to analysis groups
• Guided exercise: importing a model and running a comparative analysis

Day 4 — Product stage modelling (Module 2)

• Introduction and familiarisation with the new case study
• Importing case study processes
• Guided exercise: product stage modelling (assembly, life cycle, waste scenario)
• Advanced modelling functions in SimaPro — introduction and application: additional life cycles, waste disposal scenarios
• Advanced modelling functions in SimaPro: disassembly and reuse
• Independent exercise: configuring a model across multiple scenarios
• Analysis and interpretation

• Structured presentations
• Small-group work
• Practical exercises based on case studies
• Training workbook provided to all participants

• Engineers, project managers, quality managers
• Any professional required to oversee or conduct an environmental life cycle assessment

Prerequisites

• At the start and end of the training: knowledge validation test
• During the training: ongoing assessment of learning progress through case studies, quizzes, practical exercises, and similar activities
• Individual certificate of completion awarded upon conclusion of the training

Companies may draw on the services of a skills development operator (OPCO — opérateur de compétences) to fund this training. To identify your OPCO, visit the France Compétences website: Which OPCO applies to me?