Modelling an LCA of Plant-Based Agro-Based Products Using openLCA

• Identify the methodological frameworks and regulatory requirements that apply to life cycle assessment (LCA) of agro-based products of plant origin
• Use and/or adapt data from the sector's generic databases
• Interpret the environmental impacts of agro-based products
• Model an agro-based product (agricultural production and primary processing) using openLCA

Module 1 | Day 1
Understanding the challenges of LCA for agro-based products (regulatory context, methodology, data requirements). This session focuses on methodological aspects and does not include hands-on software training.

• Definition and challenges of agro-based products
• Regulatory and standards context, existing methodological frameworks
• System boundaries, data requirements and emission models to use
• Relevant LCA indicators for the agricultural sector
• Overview of databases and their specific features
• Use of generic agricultural databases
• Methods for modelling agricultural data (generic data, specific data, proxy data)
• Processing stage and co-product allocation

Module 2 | Day 2
Hands-on application: modelling an agro-based product in openLCA.

• Guided exercise on LCA modelling of agro-based products of plant origin 
  • Modelling agricultural data for an annual crop
  • Modelling primary processing (co-product allocation)
  • Impact analysis and interpretation

• Adapting conventional agricultural data to organic farming
• Advanced exercise: modelling a perennial crop production system 
  • Specific features of modelling perennial crops
  • Independent modelling and impact assessment

• Lectures
• Practical exercises using openLCA software (a temporary licence is provided for the course)
• Case study: crop production and primary processing (e.g. oil), livestock production and primary processing (e.g. milk, butter)
• Digital handbook provided to each participant

• Module 1: procurement teams, marketing, R&D, innovation, technical/design departments, environment and CSR teams, etc. — open to all sectors
• Module 2: R&D engineers and LCA managers within CSR teams
  
  

Prerequisites

• Modules 1 and 2: working knowledge of the LCA process — goal and scope definition, life cycle inventory, impact assessment, and interpretation
• Module 2: completion of Module 1, plus working knowledge of modelling in openLCA

• Knowledge check at the start and end of the course
• Ongoing assessment throughout the course: case studies, quizzes, practical exercises
• Individual certificate of completion issued at the end of the course

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?