Why this Biogenic Carbon Project?

There are gaps in internationally recommended approaches to account for the temporary storage of biogenic carbon and can lead to inconsistent modelling/ inaccurate results in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies. This project aims to use an expert-led multi-stakeholder process to develop a recommendation that brings harmonisation, stability, verifiability and enhanced credibility of LCA results for food and other bio-based products.​ The goal is that the recommendation would have a global reach and impact by making available consistent and stable information about the climate impacts of bio-based products to decision-makers.

What is Biogenic Carbon?

Biogenic carbon refers to carbon that is sequestered from the atmosphere during biomass growth. This carbon is found in a variety of natural materials, such as trees, plants, and other forms of biomass, and accumulates in pools such as soil organic carbon. Considering it is essential for regulating atmospheric carbon dioxide levels to mitigate the impacts of climate change, biogenic carbon is a significant component of the global carbon cycle.

Call for Experts

To ensure a successful project, we need members to contribute their expertise in-kind to the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) and Working Groups (WGs).

Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) 

The multi-stakeholder TAC will ensure continuous input and that all voices are sufficiently heard.   The Life Cycle Initiative’s Steering Committee will decide on the composition of the TAC. The target is to secure participation of individuals with various levels of expertise and perspectives on the topic of Biogenic Carbon and Life Cycle Assessment. Criteria for identifying candidates for participation include:

  • Expertise in physical and non-physical sciences related to Biogenic Carbon analysis and modelling.
  • Documented experience with the performance or preparation of LCA studies involving the use and comparison of LCIA methods and impact category indicators.
  • Record of peer reviewed scientific publications in LCA of biogenic products.
  • Experts in the specific sectors addressed (including from bio-based products and alternative materials, i.e., fossil-based; mineral-based)
  • Documented ability to work on consensus building and to interact collegially in task forces.
  • Geographic, sectoral and gender balance.

 

Working Groups (WG) 

The goal is to secure participation of individuals with various levels of expertise and perspectives on the topic of Biogenic Carbon and Life Cycle Assessment. The number of experts participating in each of the WGs is not limited in principle, although we expect a limited number of individuals ready to commit sufficient time in-kind. Criteria for identifying candidates for participation include:

  • Expertise in physical and non-physical sciences related to Biogenic Carbon analysis and modelling.
  • Expertise in applying learnings from Biogenic Carbon analysis in a business or policy setting.
  • Geographic, sectoral and gender balance.
  • Willingness to contribute sufficient time in-kind to the development of the White Paper (expectation of about 2-4 days per month for the 8–10-month period of development of the white paper).
  • Participants in the WGs may join the process at different points in time.

How to get involved

Are you interested in contributing to this project with your expertise? Please email us with details of your relevant experience by the 16th June 2023.