LCA Discussion Forum 76

Emerging technologies may contribute to a reduction in human impact on the environment, but might also add to the existing environmental pressure. While LCA is a suitable tool for impact assessment of these technologies, the application of this data-intensive tool is challenging for the data-scarce early development stages. In addition, impacts of associated with these technologies are likely to change in the future, both in the foreground and background systems.

This discussion forum will focus on 
1) Methods that can be used to compile LCIs of emerging technologies, for which no complete or conclusive LCIs are available; 
2) application of methods in LCA case studies of new technologies and 
3) Identifying perspectives on prospective LCAs.

Programme overview 
The overarching objective of the LCA discussion forum is to identify which tools are currently available, what kind of methodological challenges are associated with them, and what further aspects can and need to be considered. The first half is divided into two sessions with presentations on how to compile LCIs of emerging technologies and what lessons have been learned from prospective studies. Two panel discussions will be held in the afternoon. The first session starts with short presentations on prospective models and software solutions, followed by a broad panel discussion. In the second session, challenges for application and decision making are elaborated. The day will be concluded with a summary of lessons learned and identified steps for advancing the field of research. 

This DF will culminate in discussions between practitioners and researchers about prospective LCA methods and recommendations. It aims to accelerate the applicability of prospective LCA toward sustainable developments of emerging technologies.