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.

This course uses an interactive instructor-led training approach combining theory, discussion, and practical application.

Methodologies include:

• Instructor-led presentations
• Interactive discussions
• Polls and knowledge checks
• Individual and group exercises
• SWOT analysis workshops
• Practical case studies
• OpenLCA demonstration activities
• Team-based problem solving
• Role-playing exercises
• Mini project work

Participants engage with real-world sustainability challenges and apply LCA concepts in a collaborative learning environment.

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.

There are no formal prerequisites for this course.

Basic familiarity with sustainability, environmental management, manufacturing processes, ESG reporting, carbon management, or supply chain operations may be helpful but is not required.

For participants attending the OpenLCA exercise, prior software experience is not required.

What is Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)?

LCA is a structured methodology used to evaluate environmental impacts associated with a product, service, or process throughout its entire life cycle.

Which standards are covered in this course?

The course covers ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 and introduces related standards and guidance including ISO 14071, ISO 14072, ISO 14067, environmental labeling standards, and Product Environmental Footprint (PEF).

Is this course suitable for beginners?

Yes. The course is designed as a foundational introduction and does not require prior LCA experience.

Will OpenLCA software be used?

Yes. Participants are introduced to OpenLCA concepts through practical activities designed to help understand LCA modeling and results interpretation.

Does the course include hands-on exercises?

Yes. The training includes group exercises, life cycle mapping, SWOT analysis, impact assessment activities, role play discussions, and case studies.

What industries can benefit from this training?

The course is applicable across manufacturing, consumer products, packaging, automotive, electronics, chemicals, construction, energy, food and beverage, and many other sectors.

Does the course cover Product Carbon Footprints (PCFs)?

Yes. Participants learn how PCFs relate to LCA and how they are used to support sustainability reporting and regulatory requirements.

Does the course address CBAM and carbon regulations?

Yes. The course discusses CBAM, emissions trading systems, carbon pricing, and other key sustainability policy developments influencing LCA adoption.

Will circular economy principles be covered?

Yes. Participants learn how LCA supports circular economy strategies such as reuse, recycling, remanufacturing, and product life extension.

Is there an exam?

Yes. Participants complete an online open-book assessment consisting of multiple-choice and true/false questions.

What certificate is awarded?

Participants receive a TÜV SÜD Academy Certificate of Attendance upon completion of the training.

What practical skills will participants gain?

Participants will learn how to define system boundaries, establish functional units, interpret environmental impacts, understand carbon footprint methodologies, evaluate sustainability trade-offs, and apply basic LCA principles in business decision-making.

Train with Industry Experts

Learn from specialist instructors at TÜV SÜD Academy—recognized leaders with deep expertise in their fields. For over 35 years, our global network of 2,500+ trainers has delivered practical, real-world knowledge that you can apply immediately. Our courses are continuously updated to reflect the latest regulatory changes and industry best practices, ensuring you gain relevant, up-to-date skills with every session.