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| Contents - LC Net Focus
- Announcements
- Project & Activity Updates
- Spotlight on Life Cycle Networks
- Life Cycle Community News
- Life Cycle Event Calendar
- Job Announcements
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| The 11th International Conference on Life Cycle Management 2023 Feedback |
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| The 11th International Conference on Life Cycle Management (LCM2023) brought together 950 participants from 44 countries, underscoring the international significance of sustainability and life cycle management. Robust industry engagement showcased a strong commitment to sustainability, while cutting-edge sessions explored emerging topics and new sectors. Notably, the demand for product sustainability information is on the rise, buoyed by recent advancements in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The integration of predictive modeling using the power of AI and Data Science promises to make LCA more accessible across industries. Additionally, the conference shed light on the growing focus on biogenic carbon. The Life Cycle Initiative is at the forefront of efforts to harmonize biogenic carbon accounting. LCM 2023 served as a vital platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration, and innovation.
For more information on the LCM2023 visit: https://www.lcm2023.org/ |
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| Attention Life Cycle Initiative Members:
The 7th General Assembly of the Life Cycle Initiative will be held on October 5, 2023 • 11:00 CEST |
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| The Life Cycle Initiative will host its virtual 7th General Assembly on October 5, 2023 at 11:00 CEST. Note that the date has been changed since previous communications, so please update your calendars. As usual, it will be open to all members of the Initiative, and we will use the opportunity to update members on the achievements of the past twelve months and discuss future activities. |
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| Life Cycle Initiative Steering Committee elections  An important objective of the General Assembly is for members to elect three new representatives to the Steering Committee. As stipulated in the governance of the Initiative, one seat of each constituency (government, business, science & civil society) in the Steering Committee rotates every year. In order to respect the geographical representation rule, Institutional members from the following regions may opt for election to the Steering Committee this year: - Government: Africa, Europe, West Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean.
- Business: Asia/Pacific, Europe, North America, West Asia.
- Science & Civil Society: Asia/Pacific, Europe, North America, West Asia.
Institutional members with experience in life cycle themes/issues that are based in the regions noted above, and are interested to be a candidate in the Steering Committee election are encouraged to apply online by September 26, 2023. A link to the online candidacy application has been sent to members on September 14, 2023 along with the invitation to the General Assembly. Reminder: Membership registration is open throughout the year, and you can fill out the online application form anytime. |
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| Call for interest for an implementing partner to support the project on life cycle assessment for Biogenic Carbon |
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|  The Life Cycle Initiative is seeking an Implementing Partner to support the Biogenic Carbon Project. The selected partner will work on the project´s objective to develop an internationally recognized recommendation through an expert-led multi-stakeholder process, that aims to: - harmonize, stabilize, verify, and enhance the credibility of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) results for bio-based products,
- provide consistent and reliable climate impact information to decision-makers globally,
- explore the likely environmental, social, and economic outcomes, at global level, from these different approaches.
Who Can Apply? We welcome applications from a diverse range of organizations:
• Public Institutions
• Academia (Research Institutes, Universities)
• Non-Government Organizations (NGOs)
• Other Not-for-Profit Organizations How to Apply? The detailed Call for Proposals, including the application form, will be available soon. Do check for announcements on the project page and our social media channels. For any inquiry, please contact Archana Datta. |
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| Zero Draft of International Plastic Pollution Agreement Released Ahead of INC-3 |
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| In preparation for the third session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-3) aimed at establishing a global agreement to combat plastic pollution, the INC Chair has taken a crucial step by releasing the “Zero Draft” of this international agreement, laying the foundation for discussions at INC-3. This zero draft follows a life-cycle approach to solving plastic pollution, as requested by UNEA5 Resolution 14. At INC-3, member states will commence negotiations based on the content of the Zero Draft. This significant gathering will take place from November 13th to 19th at the UNEP’s Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. |
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| Interns: Welcome to the new, Farewell to the old! |
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| The Life Cycle Initiative Secretariat regularly welcomes engaged and energetic interns. This September, we are welcoming Eugenia Brignone and Marvin Lauenburg who will contribute to bringing new ideas and to the delivery of the Initiative’s impact.
It means it is the time to say “à bientôt!” to Emma Poghosyan and Oluwafunke Fagbule, who provided great support to the work of Life Cycle Initiative over the past six months. As they step into the next chapters of their journeys, we send them our best wishes for all their future endeavors.  Eugenia Brignone, an Italian National, is a recent Masters in Management graduate from IE University, specialized in Strategic Management. Her academics, coupled by a thirst to learn from and study within diverse cultural contexts, have brought her to live abroad, namely in Spain, Singapore, and Copenhagen, developing a true passion for environmental studies. In Denmark, in fact, she has recently concluded her exchange focused in the field of ESG Sustainable and Impact Investments. Speaking Italian, Spanish, English and French, Eugenia has always sought to broaden her horizons through a different global perspective. The latter is what she mostly looks forward to at UNEP, hoping to be an active participant within the community and growing her understanding of innovative and revolutionary solutions within the sustainability sphere.
 Marvin Lauenburg is a German National from Hamburg, Environmental and Sustainability Science Master´s student at Lund University, Sweden. His educational background dealt with environmental science as an inter- and transdisciplinary subject and systems thinking. He got previous work experience in chemical air pollution modeling at the federal research institute Helmholtz-Centre Hereon, on climate adaptation measures at Leuphana University research projects, and in energy transition challenges in the private sector. In the process of these activities, he engaged with both chemical and economic circularity. With respect to the internship, his goal is to contribute to the best possible decision-making basis for sustainability challenges by overcoming disciplinary boundaries.
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| Shape the Community of Practice:
Join the Life Cycle Networks Survey! |
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|  Calling all LCA networks! We invite you to participate in our comprehensive survey aimed at mapping and understanding the capacities of LCA networks worldwide. By participating, you’ll provide valuable insights into your organization’s objectives, activities, expertise, and upcoming projects. Your input will directly influence the development of the Life Cycle Initiative’s Community of Practice on LCA networks.
Let’s collaborate, share knowledge, and drive positive change together. Don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference! Access the survey.
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Project & Activity Updates |
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| | The Research Institute for Sustainability – Helmholtz Centre Potsdam (RIFS), the University College London Institute for Sustainable Resources (UCL ISR), the Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction (Global ABC), the One Planet Network, and the Life Cycle Initiative are pleased to invite you to the “Carbon Footprint Policy Accelerator conference: Learning about Buy Clean and Whole Life Carbon Regulatory Standards for Buildings.” This international conference will explore path-breaking policies to achieve the much-needed rapid decarbonisation of industry and construction. Carbon footprint procurement specifications for building products and mandatory maximum whole life carbon thresholds for buildings could create lead markets for radical low/zero carbon innovation.
Date: Tuesday November 7, 2023 [9.00-17.30 CET]
Wednesday November 8, 2023 [9.00-17.00 CET] Venue: Research Institute for Sustainability – Helmholtz Centre Potsdam
Villa (Ballroom), Berliner Straße 130, D-14467 Potsdam Registration:
Online/in-person: https://eveeno.com/carbonfootprintpolicyaccelerator |
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| New Publication on MarILCA: Transformative Insights into Microplastic Impact Assessment |
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|  We’re excited to announce a new publication on MarILCA titled ‘MarILCA Characterization Factors for Microplastic Impacts in Life Cycle Assessment: Physical Effects on Biota from Emissions to Aquatic Environments.’ This groundbreaking research, featured in the Journal of Cleaner Production, represents a significant advancement in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The MarILCA working group introduces a cutting-edge methodology for assessing the environmental impacts of microplastic emissions in aquatic ecosystems. With updated exposure and effect factors, as well as fate factors for various microplastic scenarios, this research equips LCA practitioners with essential tools to evaluate the ecological consequences of microplastics on aquatic biota and ecosystem quality.
Access the full publication here for deeper insights into this transformative research.
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| Join us for the Webinar “Advancing Sustainability through Life Cycle Approaches in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA)” |
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| Join us on September 19, 2023 at 13:00-15:00 (GMT+3) to discuss how to integrate Life-cycle thinking and Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) methodologies into national strategies for promoting sustainability and green economies in the MENA region. The event is co-organized by the Life Cycle Initiative, EPD MENA, and Suez Canal University (Egypt). A panel of regional and international experts will share insights on mainstreaming Life-Cycle Approaches and deliberate on the role of a regional LCA network in advancing sustainability in the MENA region.
Register now. |
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| The Swedish Life Cycle Center
Introducing the Swedish Life Cycle Center established in 1996 and hosted by Chalmers University of Technology. This Center of Excellence serves as a collaborative platform for academia, research institutes, industry, and government agencies with the goal to enhance expertise and promote knowledge sharing in advancing and applying life cycle concepts. The Center envisions a world where credible and applied life cycle thinking is embraced globally. Its mission is to integrate the life cycle perspective into industrial processes, governmental policies, and various aspects of society. Highlighted ongoing initiatives include: - Innovation Cluster for the Life Cycle Perspective: This project provides a dynamic forum that brings together industry, academia, authorities, and other societal entities. It fosters a better understanding and utilization of the life cycle perspective. A significant outcome is the Life Cycle Talk series, offering presentations to keep you informed about the latest developments in life cycle science and application.
- Two-Day Course in Applied Life Cycle Thinking: Conducted biannually within the Center, this course offers a comprehensive exploration of how to apply life cycle thinking through real-world cases and proven methodologies.
SETAC Europe 26th LCA Symposium: In collaboration with SETAC Europe, the center is co-organizing this symposium, scheduled for October 21st to 23rd, 2024, in Gothenburg. With the theme “Making LCA Meaningful: Good Data, Better Models, Sustainable Decisions,” the conference promises insightful discussions and contributions to the field of life cycle assessment. Stay tuned for our next edition as we continue to showcase the remarkable work of life cycle networks worldwide. |
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Life Cycle Community News |
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| | World Resources Forum 2023 |
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| The World Resources Forum 2023, with the theme ‘Rethinking Value – Resources for Planetary Wellbeing,’ took place in Geneva, Switzerland, and online from September 4th to 6th. This significant international event was dedicated to advancing the sustainable and equitable use of natural resources and was hosted by the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN) in collaboration with the UNEP Global Intergovernmental Meeting on Minerals and Metals. A notable highlight of the conference was the scientific session on Life Cycle Based Approaches, which took place on September 5th. This session covered various topics, including the application of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to evaluate biodiversity impacts from mining and resource extraction, LCA applied to skincare products and biochar production from palm oil, and the use of a life cycle-based sustainability analysis framework in the context of the South African plastics value chain.
More information: https://wrf2023.org |
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| The American Center for Life Cycle Assessment (ACLCA) Conference 2023 |
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|  The ACLCA 2023 Conference is a gathering of sustainability leaders and innovators, dedicated to shaping a better world. This unique event offers limitless possibilities, powerful collaborations, and transformative conversations. Join global sustainability professionals and LCA leaders to explore the potential of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and life cycle thinking. Engage in live sessions, networking opportunities, and discussions that drive environmental sustainability forward.
From the Life Cycle Community, Anne-Marie Boulay and Eric Mieras will make valuable contributions. Anne-Marie Boulay will participate in a plastic panel special session titled ‘Tackling the Problem of Plastics in LCA – An Update,’ and Eric Mieras will present ‘Linking the UN SDGs to Product-Level Impact Information.”
Agenda: https://aclcaconference.org/agenda/
More information: https://aclcaconference.org |
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Life Cycle Event Calendar |
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| | The INC Secretariat’s technical webinars ahead of INC-3August 22 – October 17, 2023 | OnlineThe INC Secretariat is hosting a series of online technical webinars in the lead-up to INC-3, spanning from August 22 to October 17, 2023. |
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| Brightcon 202318-20 September 2023 |Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg and online The fourth edition of the Brightcon 2023 conference is scheduled for September 18-20 in Esch-sur-Alzette in Luxembourg, and online. The conference aims to celebrate open sustainability science, data, and programming through a mix of talks, demonstrations, classes, participatory events, and social celebrations.
Prior to the conference, a two-day, in-person hackathon will be organized from September 16-17. It will start at 10:00 AM with the theme ‘Improving the exchange and integration of agricultural data with other sustainability databases’.”
More information: https://2023.brightcon.link/ |
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| The American Center for Life Cycle Assessment (ACLCA) Conference26-28 September 2023 | Burlington, VermontThe ACLCA Conference, scheduled for September 26-28 in Burlington, Vermont, gathers sustainability leaders and innovators dedicated to shaping a better world. This event offers limitless possibilities, powerful collaborations, and transformative discussions.
Join global sustainability professionals and LCA leaders to explore the potential of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and life cycle thinking, engaging in live sessions and networking opportunities that drive environmental sustainability forward.
More information: https://aclcaconference.org |
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| The Future of Plastics and Packaging “How Business Can Build Circular Packaging Solutions That Deliver Impact at Scale”3-4 October 2023 | Amsterdam, Netherlands The Innovation Forum’s conference titled “The Future of Plastics and Packaging” will take place in Amsterdam, Netherlands on October 3-4, 2023. The conference will focus on how businesses can build circular packaging solutions that deliver impact at scale. Llorenç Milà i Canals from the Life Cycle Initiative will address “How incoming and evolving legislation will impact packaging strategy, in the EU and beyond” in the Policy brief I session at 09:20 – 09:45 CEST on October 3rd.
More information: https://www.innovationforum.co.uk/conferences/future-of-plastics-and-packaging |
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| Two-day course in Applied Life Cycle Thinking24-25 October 2023 • Gothenburg, SwedenThe Swedish Life Cycle Center is organizing two-day course on Applied Life Cycle Thinking, which will take place at Chalmers University of Technology, in Gothenburg, Sweden on October 24-25, 2023. This course is designed to provide participants with an in-depth understanding of how to apply life cycle thinking in their organizations using real cases and proven methods. More information: https://www.lifecyclecenter.se/events/two-day-course-in-applied-life-cycle-thinking-october-2023/ |
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| 14th LCA Food International Conference8-12 September 2024 • Barcelona, SpainThe 14th LCA Food conference will be held in Barcelona, Spain. Hosted by IRTA, a research institute under the Government of Catalonia and the Ministry of Climate Action, Food, and Rural Agenda, this conference is committed to reducing the environmental impact of agrifood systems and advancing healthier, more sustainable diets. With a 28-year legacy, it has grown into the world’s foremost platform for addressing environmental, social, and economic dimensions of sustainability. It attracts participants from academia, consultancy, agrifood companies, NGOs, and public bodies, occurring biennially across Europe, America, and Asia.
More information: https://www.irta.cat/en/lca-food-2024/ |
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| SETAC Europe 26th LCA Symposium, “Making LCA Meaningful: Good Data, Better Models, Sustainable Decisions”21 – 23 October 2024 | Gothenburg, SwedenThe SETAC Europe 26th LCA Symposium is a two-and-a-half-day event gathering experts from academia, industry, government, and NGOs to discuss the latest research and applications in life cycle assessment (LCA). This year’s theme, “Making LCA meaningful: good data, better models, sustainable decisions,” aims to enhance life cycle inventory data, improve life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) application, and deepen the understanding of LCA’s diverse contexts and enhancements. The symposium will offer presentations, discussions, workshops, and networking opportunities to contribute to these goals.
More information: https://www.setac.org/discover-events/topical-events/setac-europe-26th-lca-symposium.html |
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Life Cycle Job Announcements |
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| | Senior Researchers in Sustainability Assessment at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
The Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering (DTU Sustain) at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) offers several full-time Senior Researcher positions in Sustainability Assessment, such as toxicity characterization, assessing life cycle impacts on biodiversity, soil health and resources, prospective LCA, and absolute sustainability assessment. Expected start date is early 2024.
More information.
Junior Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Analyst at Unilever, Sharnbrook, England
Unilever is seeking junior LCA analysts (multiple) who have a passion for environmental sustainability to join a growing team of experts in the Safety and Environmental Assurance Centre (SEAC). The candidate should have a relevant master’s degree, knowledge, and some experience in LCA software modelling.
More information.
Junior Life Cycle Assessment Consultant at Arcadis, Utrecht, Netherlands
Arcadis is looking for junior life cycle assessment consultant to contribute to the sustainability of the built environment during the use phase. The candidate should have a relevant degree, work or internship experience, fluency in Dutch and English and knowledge and interest in sustainability, maintenance and/or building quality.
More information.
Senior Sustainability Specialist at Syska Hennessy Group, Los Angeles, USA Syska Hennessy Group is seeking a senior sustainability specialist to join the High-Performance Solution Team and deliver high performance building energy modeling and sustainability analysis in the region and possibly landmark projects around the world. The candidate should focus on energy modeling or T24 and have the ability to apply relevant industry knowledge, be up to date on new and existing tools related to sustainability strategies, energy efficiency measures, technologies, voluntary rating standards, codes, industry, and trends. More information.
Life Cycle Assessment Specialist at Rockwell Automation, Phoenix, AZ, USA Rockwell Automation is seeking a LCA Specialist to join the team, The candidate should have a relevant degree (preferably in an engineering field) and a minimum of 5 years’ experience in sustainability, or product environmental programs, in electronics industry working with electromechanical products and expertise in LCA tools, software and libraries (GaBi, SimaPro, etc.). More information. |
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| The work of the Life Cycle Initiative would not be possible without the support of its sponsors. By contributing to the Initiative, organizations not only gain access to unparalleled expertise in how to align their activities with their United Nations Environmental and Social Development commitments, but they also play a role in transforming their activities, as models of Life Cycle Thinking. With the new 2022-2027 strategy of the Life Cycle Initiative, funding partners will also get significant visibility through the Initiative’s support to UNEP projects in high-impact sectors such as plastics, textiles, buildings and construction, mobility, etc. If you are interested in becoming a funding partner, please contact us!
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Ongoing call for LC Net contributions |
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| | Members of the Life Cycle Initiative, please feel free to submit your event, job vacancy, news, capacity development opportunities, topics and stories related to life cycle thinking and LCA, to be shared with the global life cycle community. We are always looking for featured coverage on the experience how life cycle thinking contributes to different policy agendas, sustainable business and decision making, in various countries and regions. You may send your content to info@lifecycleinitiative.org and Ms Emma Poghosyan. Note that we cannot accept contributions of a commercial nature. LCNet is released bimonthly in the beginning of January, March, May, July, September and November; please send us your piece approximately two weeks before the release date. We look forward to your contributions in disseminating life cycle knowledge from global policy and business agendas!
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| THANK YOU TO OUR FUNDING PARTNERS! |
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