Workshop 05: Getting LCA Right for Renewable Carbon: Methodology Challenges in Recycling and CCU

Main Presenter: Ángel Puente

Co-Authors:

Workshop Format: Short input by selected speakers; Group discussion

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a key decision-support tool for emerging renewable carbon pathways, yet its application to recycling and Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) systems remains methodologically complex and, in practice, highly heterogeneous. Most established LCA standards lack explicit provisions for such systems, or allow methodological choices that are interpreted in different ways, leading to inconsistent results. This interactive workshop addresses how to “get LCA right” for renewable carbon by jointly exploring methodological challenges in advanced recycling and CCU.

The workshop will engage participants in discussions, polls and live exercises. Key topics include the definition of functional units and system boundaries in circular systems, the allocation of environmental burdens and benefits across multiple life cycles or between emitters and CCU processes, and the handling of data gaps and technology immaturity in emerging recycling and CCU technologies. Participants will also explore how different methodological choices can substantially influence LCA outcomes and their interpretation.

By actively comparing approaches across recycling and CCU case studies, the workshop will highlight common pitfalls, methodological trade-offs, and best practices for transparent and decision-relevant LCAs. The session aims to foster a shared understanding of robust LCA application for renewable carbon technologies and to stimulate constructive exchange between practitioners, method developers, and decision-makers.

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