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

Who should attend

Recommended

Course description

A hands-on course to design and execute water footprint studies aligned with ISO 14046. We link business goals to robust goal-and-scope definition, including boundaries, functional units, and geographic/temporal resolution. You’ll build a water inventory that covers withdrawals, consumption, discharges, and quality parameters across life-cycle stages or site operations, and then apply impact assessment approaches that reflect basin-specific scarcity and degradation. We address data quality scoring, uncertainty and sensitivity analysis, allocation choices, and avoiding double counting. Results interpretation emphasizes hotspot identification, scenario comparison, prioritizing reduction options, and connecting findings to objectives, supplier engagement, and reporting. You’ll practice preparing decision-ready visuals and disclosures, as well as compiling evidence for audits and management reviews. The course includes templates for inventory data sheets, data-quality matrices, basin-context checklists, and improvement roadmaps, with Canadian/BC notes on watershed context, and reporting frameworks. Suitable for stand-alone studies or integration with ISO 14001, ecodesign initiatives, and ESG reporting.

What you’ll learn

  • Translate ISO 14046 into a practical workflow

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

  • Build water inventories (withdrawal, consumption, discharge, quality)

  • Apply basin-relevant impact assessment and characterization factors

  • Evaluate data quality; perform uncertainty/sensitivity checks

  • Identify hotspots and compare scenarios for reduction

  • Link results to objectives, suppliers, and disclosures

  • Prepare audit-ready evidence and management review inputs

Who should attend

  • Environmental/ESG managers and coordinators

  • LCA practitioners and sustainability analysts

  • Process, utilities, and operations engineers

  • Product and packaging developers

  • Compliance and reporting teams

Recommended

  • Basic ISO 14001 awareness

  • Introductory LCA/footprinting concepts

  • Familiarity with site processes and water balances

  • Comfort with spreadsheets and simple data analysis

  • Awareness of local watershed/regulatory context

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ACS Canada Academy is a federally registered institution based in British Columbia, offering online and on-site professional training across Canada and globally. Our programs are designed to meet industry-specific standards in areas like ISO compliance, sustainability, and regulatory systems. With flexible e-learning and customized corporate training, ACS Academy supports organizations and professionals in achieving growth, certification readiness, and international competitiveness.

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ACS Academy is a federally registered Canadian provider of training and consulting services, offering accredited certificate programs, industry-focused training, and support for management systems and international standards. Backed by experienced professionals with hands-on expertise, ACS Academy delivers practical, high-quality solutions that help organizations achieve compliance, operational excellence, and sustainable growth across industries.
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