Course description

This practitioner course explains the ISO 14040 framework for life cycle assessment (LCA), from goal and scope through inventory (LCI), impact assessment (LCIA), and interpretation. You’ll learn how the phases interrelate, how to define functional units and system boundaries, and how to plan data collection and modelling choices while recognizing limitations and optional elements. We clarify what ISO 14040 covers—principles and structure for LCA and LCI studies—and what it doesn’t: detailed methods for each phase. Emphasis is placed on transparent reporting, documentation of assumptions and value choices, and when to use internal or third-party critical reviews. You’ll practice translating business questions into an LCA plan, preparing for consistent data handling, and framing LCIA results for decisions without overstating precision. The course concludes with templates for goal/scope definitions, boundary diagrams, data-quality notes, and review checklists, as well as guidance on aligning LCA plans with procurement, design, and environmental communication.

What you’ll learn

• Translate ISO 14040 principles into a practical LCA plan

• Define goal/scope, functional unit, and system boundaries

• Build LCI data structures and document assumptions

• Plan LCIA at the appropriate level of detail

• Interpret results and test sensitivity/limitations

• Report transparently and organize evidence for review

• Understand optional elements and value choices

• Decide when and how to use critical review

Who should attend

• Sustainability/ESG managers and coordinators

• Product designers and R&D engineers

• Process and environmental engineers

• LCA practitioners and analysts

• Procurement, marketing, and compliance teams

Recommended

• Basic ISO 14001 or EMS awareness

• Familiarity with products/processes and bills of materials

• Comfort with spreadsheets and simple data analysis

• Introductory LCA/LCI concepts helpful