Drawing up work instructions for LCA for set A2

The NMD Foundation is preparing to calculate using the 19 environmental impact categories from set A2. This expansion requires a modified approach to drawing up and assessing life cycle assessments (LCAs). This process includes a trial period for the market and an impact study on the shift in ECI values from set A1 to set A2. A useful tool in this process is the new work instruction for drawing up LCAs according to set A2, drawn up by SGS Search on behalf of the NMD Foundation.

Read more about calculating with set A2

Purpose and content of the work instruction

The work instruction is intended to support LCA practicioners in the uniform and correct application of set A2. The document:

• explains the substantive and methodological differences between set A1 and set A2
• identifies the main points in the weighted results of set A2
• provides specific points for attention when using the Ecoinvent 3.9.1 background database
• helps to include critical information in the LCI phase of the analysis.

This enables LCA practicioners to compile or assess category 1, 2, and 3 data in a uniform manner, as well as project-specific LCAs for tenders based on the new set A2.

Who is the instruction intended for?

• The instruction is relevant for a broad target group
• LCA practicioners who work with category 1, 2, or 3 data
• Developers of project-specific LCAs, for example in the context of tenders
• Contracting authorities, who can use the document to promote consistency in their requests for environmental performance calculations based on set A2.