In Germany, nova-Institute has analysed the most relevant LCA and carbon footprint studies and their implications for renewable carbon-based products, which results will be presented in a free webinar on May 7. The lack of harmonisation makes it difficult to interpret LCA results, as different frameworks and guidelines use different methodologies. This is particularly relevant for renewable carbon-based products, which are often in competition with their fossil counterparts.
This study reviewed how key LCA and carbon footprint standards treat renewable carbon, including:
· The international LCA and carbon footprint standards ISO 14040, ISO 14044 ISO 14067
· The European Commission’s Product Environmental Footprint (PEF)
· Industrial initiatives Together for Sustainability (TfS) and Pact’s Pathfinder framework
· The Greenhouse Gas Protocol Product Standard
· The Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) framework
Core elements of LCAs for renewable carbon products were examined for their implications for renewable carbon-based products. The webinar will highlight areas of alignment within the frameworks, such as:
· The approach to biogenic carbon accounting
· The general approach to recycling
· Areas of divergence within the standards will be discussed, including:
· Credits for the substitution of co-products
· Provisions for the application of economic and mass allocation
