On October 21, the Life Cycle Initiative launched GLAM1.0.2024.10 at the SETAC Europe 26th LCA Symposium in Gothenburg, Sweden. Developed since 2013, GLAM creates a globally consistent framework for assessing ecosystem, human health, and socio-economic impacts across product life cycles.

Download the GLAM method xls files (.zip)
Download the related documentation (.zip)

Co-led by the University of Michigan, NTNU, and DTU, it has benefited from over 200 contributors worldwide. The method enhances transparency and comparability, facilitating broader adoption and usability. GLAM is funded by the Life Cycle Initiative funding partners, with additional specific contributions from the Swiss Government.

A Collaborative, Consensus-Driven Approach

GLAM1.0.2024.10 was developed through a global effort involving diverse stakeholders, including industry, academia, NGOs, and government agencies. Building on earlier frameworks developed within SETAC and the Life Cycle Initiative, the process involved numerous workshops and consultations, refining the method based on feedback from hundreds of experts. Major milestones included consensus workshops in 2016 and 2018, leading to continuous development and beta testing. This collaborative approach ensured the final method is robust, widely applicable, and reflective of diverse global perspectives, culminating in its official launch at the 2024 SETAC Symposium.

Main Features of GLAM1.0.2024.10

GLAM1.0.2024.10 addresses impacts on ecosystem quality, human health, and socio-economic assets (natural resources, ecosystem services) through a standardized method. It incorporates a consistent approach to classification, normalization, and weighting, enabling comparisons across regions. This integration ensures a cohesive understanding of environmental impacts, from biodiversity and climate effects to air pollution and resource valuation.

Future Implications

The launch of GLAM1.0.2024.10 is a significant milestone for Life Cycle Impact Assessment, enabling the consistent evaluation of products’ environmental footprints. By providing a unified approach, it allows more accurate, reliable, and comparable results, driving sustainability efforts across industries worldwide.

For further details, visit the GLAM webpage on the Life Cycle Initiative website.