Reading and Interpreting a Life Cycle Assessment

• Identify the principal reporting elements of an A-LCA: functional unit, system boundary, objectives, and related parameters​
• Distinguish between impact assessment types: midpoint, endpoint, and single score​
• Map a life cycle inventory (LCI) in schematic form​
• Identify critical findings within A-LCA graphical outputs

Day 1 — Morning

• Identifying the key reporting elements of an A-LCA
• Overview of the phases of an A-LCA
• Definition of key reporting elements and their implications: objectives, scope of study, results (midpoint, endpoint, single score), and critical review
• Practical workshop: reading and analysing a first case study — an existing comparative A-LCA (open-enrolment sessions)

Day 1 — Afternoon

• Constructing a life cycle inventory diagram (inputs and outputs)
• Principles underlying inventory compilation
• Developing a critical perspective on inventory data

Day 2 — Morning

• Identifying critical findings in A-LCA graphical results
• Reading and interpreting LCA graphical outputs
• Practical workshop: comparative interpretation exercise using two food products and their packaging

Day 2 — Afternoon

• Applying an analytical framework to identify points of vigilance in an A-LCA study
• Practical workshop: reading and analysing a third case study

• Structured presentations
• Small-group work
• Knowledge test
• Practical exercises: reading and analysing LCA reports in summary form
• Training materials provided to all participants

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?