ISO 14040/44 Life Cycle Assessment Training

This course is designed for:

• Sustainability professionals
• Environmental managers
• Product designers and engineers
• Procurement and supply chain specialists
• Corporate strategy and ESG teams
• Anyone seeking foundational knowledge in LCA and ISO standards

The following topics will be covered in the course:

• Climate change context and global risks
• Carbon pricing, CBAM, and Fit for 55 policy frameworks
• Scope 1, 2, 3, and 4 emissions
• ISO 14040/44 standards and terminology
• LCA framework: goal & scope, inventory, impact, interpretation
• Environmental indicators and impact categories
• Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) and related standards
• Circular economy strategies: reuse, recycling, remanufacturing
• Social LCA and Life Cycle Costing
• Organizational LCA (ISO 14072) and critical review
• OpenLCA modeling activity and debrief
• Case studies: packaging alternatives, fast food systems
• Group exercises: SWOT analysis, role play, mini LCA project

The ISO 14040/44 Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Training is a comprehensive, instructor-led program designed to equip professionals with the foundational knowledge and practical skills needed to assess environmental impacts across the full life cycle of products and processes. Rooted in the internationally recognized ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 standards, this training provides a structured approach to understanding how materials, energy, emissions, and waste flow through systems—from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal. Participants will explore the principles of LCA, including goal and scope definition, inventory analysis, impact assessment, and interpretation, while learning how to apply these concepts to real-world sustainability challenges.

Throughout the two-day course, learners will engage with the latest climate science and policy frameworks, including the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), Emissions Trading Systems (ETS), and the EU’s Fit for 55 package. These modules contextualize LCA within global efforts to mitigate climate change and promote sustainable development. The training also introduces key environmental indicators such as global warming potential, acidification, and human toxicity, and explains how these are used to evaluate the performance of products and operations. Participants will gain hands-on experience using OpenLCA software to build and analyze models, supported by guided exercises and group activities.

In addition to technical instruction, the course emphasizes strategic thinking and decision-making. Case studies such as the comparison of polystyrene and popcorn as packaging materials, and role-playing exercises involving stakeholder perspectives, help participants apply LCA insights to business scenarios. The training also explores advanced topics like Scope 3 and Scope 4 emissions, circular economy strategies, and the integration of LCA with Social LCA (S-LCA) and Life Cycle Costing (LCC). These modules prepare participants to align their sustainability strategies with evolving regulatory requirements and investor expectations.

By the end of the training, participants will be able to confidently interpret LCA results, identify environmental hotspots, and propose data-driven improvements to products, processes, and supply chains. Whether you're a sustainability manager, product designer, procurement officer, or ESG analyst, this course offers a robust foundation for leveraging LCA in pursuit of environmental excellence and compliance with global standards.

• Comprehensive Understanding of ISO Standards
  Gain in-depth knowledge of ISO 14040 and ISO 14044, including their structure, terminology, and application to real-world sustainability challenges. Learn how to apply the full LCA framework—from goal and scope definition to inventory analysis, impact assessment, and interpretation.
  
• Hands-On Experience with LCA Tools
  Build and analyze your own LCA models using OpenLCA software. Learn how to collect and validate data, run impact assessments, and interpret results using industry-standard methodologies and databases.
  
• Strategic Insights for Sustainability and Compliance
  Understand how LCA supports compliance with global regulations such as CBAM, ETS, and the EU Fit for 55 package. Learn how to use LCA to inform product design, procurement decisions, and sustainability reporting.
  
• Integration with Circular Economy and Social Metrics
  Explore advanced topics including Scope 3 and 4 emissions, circular economy strategies (reuse, recycling, remanufacturing), Social LCA (S-LCA), and Life Cycle Costing (LCC). Learn how to align environmental, social, and economic performance for holistic sustainability assessments.
  
• Interactive Learning and Real-World Application
  Participate in group exercises, role-playing simulations, and case studies that reinforce learning and promote collaboration. Apply LCA thinking to packaging alternatives, fast food systems, and mini projects that simulate real business scenarios.

• Instructor-led sessions with interactive discussions
• Hands-on exercises using OpenLCA software
• Group activities and role-play simulations
• Real-world case studies and debriefs
• Visual aids, infographics, and process maps

Instructor-led training in a virtual classroom. This means the course is Live Online. Participants will learn through online teaching. Lectures, case studies, group exercises, discussions, problem solving, examples with explanation, assignments and/or quizzes happen in the virtual classroom training. Participants need to connect to the class from any internet accessible location. Each module is delivered live using webinar technology, creating a virtual classroom learning environment. Live sessions provide you with direct access to the trainer so you can ask questions, understand complex concepts and share ideas with peers. Webcam and microphone are REQUIRED to interact with the instructor and/or other participants.

The course content and structure are designed by the domain experts from TÜV SÜD.

With immense experience and knowledge in the relevant standards, our team of product specialists and technical experts at TÜV SÜD, developed the course content based on current business landscape and market requirements.

At the end of the training, participants will complete a multiple-choice exam designed to reinforce key concepts and ensure understanding.

Assessment Details:

• Format: 15 multiple-choice questions and 10 true/false questions
• Type: Open book (This is not a certified training, so participants may refer to course materials during the exam)
• Passing Criteria: A minimum score of 70% is required to meet the learning objectives
• Retakes: Participants who do not achieve a passing score may retake the exam up to 3 times
• Certification: Regardless of exam outcome, participants will receive a Certificate of Attendance by TÜV SÜD Academy.