<strong>ILCD</strong> <strong>H<strong>and</strong>book</strong>: <strong>Framework</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>requirements</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>LCIA</strong> <strong>models</strong> <strong>and</strong> indicators First edition iii
<strong>ILCD</strong> <strong>H<strong>and</strong>book</strong>: <strong>Framework</strong> <strong>and</strong> <strong>requirements</strong> <strong>for</strong> <strong>LCIA</strong> <strong>models</strong> <strong>and</strong> indicators First edition Executive Summary Overview Life Cycle Thinking (LCT) <strong>and</strong> Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) are scientific approaches behind a growing number of modern environmental policies <strong>and</strong> business decision support in the context of Sustainable Consumption <strong>and</strong> Production (SCP). The International Reference Life Cycle Data System (<strong>ILCD</strong>) provides a common basis <strong>for</strong> consistent, robust <strong>and</strong> qualityassured life cycle data, methods <strong>and</strong> assessments. These support coherent <strong>and</strong> reliable business <strong>and</strong> policy instruments related to products, natural resources, <strong>and</strong> waste management <strong>and</strong> their implementation, such as eco-labelling, carbon footprinting, <strong>and</strong>, green procurement. This guidance document provides a framework <strong>and</strong> <strong>requirements</strong> <strong>for</strong> the <strong>models</strong> that are used to analyse the emissions into air, water <strong>and</strong> soil, as well as the resources consumed in terms of their contributions to different impacts on human health, natural environment, <strong>and</strong> natural resources. About Life Cycle Impact Assessment (<strong>LCIA</strong>) In a Life Cycle Assessment, the emissions <strong>and</strong> resources consumed that are linked to a specific product are compiled <strong>and</strong> documented in a Life Cycle Inventory (LCI). An impact assessment is then per<strong>for</strong>med, considering human health, the natural environment, <strong>and</strong> issues related to natural resource use. Impacts considered in a Life Cycle Impact Assessment include climate change, ozone depletion, eutrophication, acidification, human toxicity (cancer <strong>and</strong> non-cancer related) respiratory inorganics, ionizing radiation, ecotoxicity, photochemical ozone <strong>for</strong>mation, l<strong>and</strong> use, <strong>and</strong> resource depletion. The emissions <strong>and</strong> resources are assigned to each of these impact categories. They are then converted into indicators using impact assessment <strong>models</strong>. Emissions <strong>and</strong> resources consumed, as well as different product options, can then be cross-compared in terms of the indicators. About the International Reference Life Cycle Data System (<strong>ILCD</strong>) The <strong>ILCD</strong> <strong>H<strong>and</strong>book</strong> is a series of detailed technical documents, providing guidance <strong>for</strong> good practice in Life Cycle Assessment in business <strong>and</strong> government. The <strong>ILCD</strong> <strong>H<strong>and</strong>book</strong> can serve as ―parent‖ document <strong>for</strong> developing sector- <strong>and</strong> product-specific guidance documents, criteria <strong>and</strong> simplified tools. The <strong>ILCD</strong> <strong>H<strong>and</strong>book</strong> is based on the existing international st<strong>and</strong>ards on LCA, ISO 14040/44, that provide the indispensable framework <strong>for</strong> LCA. This framework, however, leaves the individual practitioner with a range of choices that can change the results <strong>and</strong> conclusions of an assessment. Further guidance is there<strong>for</strong>e needed to support consistency <strong>and</strong> quality assurance. The <strong>ILCD</strong> <strong>H<strong>and</strong>book</strong> has been set up to provide this guidance. The development of the <strong>ILCD</strong> was coordinated by the European Commission <strong>and</strong> has been carried out in a broad international consultation process with experts, stakeholders, <strong>and</strong> the general public. iv