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Project

Biogenic GHGs accounting in LCA

In Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), the accounting of biogenic carbon is little harmonized. Different, even contradictory, approaches are identified in current standards for different sectors of the economy (biofuel, bio-based plastics, construction, etc.). The general objectives of this study are to identify the issues at stake in these approaches, in order to issue recommendations for several actors.

Report synthesis
Defined in various ways in the literature, biogenic carbon is characterized by its absorption from the atmosphere through photosynthesis (sequestration) and by its belonging to the short carbon cycle. The ScoreLCA association commissioned the CIRAIG to carry out a study in collaboration with a number of stakeholders, in order to identify the methodological challenges and establish recommendations for accounting for biogenic GHGs (CO2, CH4 and CO) in LCA. This study meets the following objectives:
  • Establish the state of the art of methodological issues identified in the scientific literature for the accounting for biogenic carbon in LCA. Three main aspects are covered:
    • Static accounting approaches (including “FC = 0/0” and “FC = -1/+1”)
    • Dynamic accounting approaches (taking into account temporary storage, crop rotation, etc.)
    • Specific accounting for flows linked to land use and land use change (LULUC)
  • Summarize regulatory and standards requirements, as well as the positions of a number of stakeholders, and shed light on the development of standardization in this area;
  • Take a more operational look at the various methodological issues in a case study;
  • Issue recommendations for standard-setting bodies, stakeholders and LCA practitioners to improve the understanding of the benefits and limitations of biogenic carbon accounting.
The full report is available on ScoreLCA’s website (in French).

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