Vol. 33 No. 4
July-August 2011

Life-Cycle Assessment—Call for Partners

IUPAC should take the lead in defining and setting the rules for Life Cycle Assessment. The Committee on Chemistry and Industry (COCI) is calling for individuals interested in participating in such a project.

Cradle to Cradle is one of the better-known lifecycle assessment systems.

Life-cycle data is frequently used in discussions about sustainability, particularly when comparisons are made between the resources required for certain products or modes of transportation. One of the most-used data sets is the “CO2 footprint.” Many companies and even consultancies have developed their own life-cycle assessment concepts, which can result in comparing apples with pears. However, several scientific, unbiased approaches to life-cycle assessments can be found in the literature.

IUPAC should help develop a common understanding about life-cycle assessments and a set of rules governing how to use the concept. COCI seeks partners to form a task group on life-cycle assessments. An initial discussion will take place during the General Assembly in Puerto Rico.

For more information, contact COCI Chair Michael Droescher <[email protected] >.