PROJECT

LCA in Public Policy

A database containing information about 17 OECD jurisdictions using and promoting life cycle approaches in their public policies.

  • October 2020

The database contains information about 17 jurisdictions of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) using and promoting life cycle approaches in their public policies. The database results from a political science research project on the environmental state and life cycle analysis. The project identifies and classifies policy instruments that incorporate LCA for each jurisdiction: informational measures, legislative and regulatory frameworks, procurement policies, financial support, administrative practices, and strategic guidance. The database allows the user to retrieve information by jurisdiction, by instrument or by category of instrument (nodality, authority, treasure, organization). The included jurisdictions are Australia, California, Canada, Denmark, the European Union, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Quebec, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.

The database allows for mapping the use of LCA within the OECD. It shows how LCA has penetrated the realm of public policy and decision-making of all jurisdictions. But there is variation in the ways it is used and in scope. Next steps of the project seek to understand the variation between states.

Data collection: We sampled data are from 14 states, considering that states structure social and economic interactions, have the (coercive) power to legislate and implement legislation, and dispose of substantial administrative and economic resources. Data from 1 supranational and 2 subnational jurisdictions have been added due to their more progressive environmental policy approaches in Europe and North America. Data are drawn from official government sites. There is no definite timeline, but most data cover the past 10 years. Initial and intermediary steps of the data collection have been discussed with experts from CIRAIG and validated by 11 international LCA experts. Moreover, data have been validated by an online survey in 2019. Due to the exploratory nature of the research, the data is not exhaustive.

Learn more

In collaboration with

Authors

Maya Jegen

Professor, Département de science politique, UQAM

 

Manuele Margni

Professor, CIRAIG – Polytechnique Montreal

Other Collaborators:

Bruno Arcand, Marc-Étienne Dagesse, Simon Langlois-Bertrand

Legend

Categories of Instruments

The categories are based on Christopher Hood’s NATO model:

  • Hood C (1983) The Tools of Government. Macmillan
  • Hood C, Margetts H (2007) The tools of government in the digital age. Palgrave 

 

The NATO model groups policy instruments according to four types of social resources they rely on and from which governments derive different capabilities:

Nodality denotes the central point in information networks; gives governments a strategic position to disseminate information and/or access information.

Authority denotes the possession of legal powers and other sources of legitimacy; enables governments to demand, forbid, guarantee and adjudicate corporate and individual behaviour.

Treasure refers to public money and ‘fungible chattels’; allows governments to exchange and to use public resources as a means of influence.

Organization denotes the possession of a stock of people with skills, equipment, etc., gives governments in-house capacity to act, for example through bureaucratic and scientific leverage.

Types of Instruments

  1. Informational measures : based on the government’s central position in information or social networks; cover governmental participation in the building of life cycle databases and inventories, or the setup of sharing platforms; include the dissemination of more general LCA information, such as the results of (past) studies and reports in various sectors.
  2. Legislative and regulatory frameworks: codes of regulations, laws and acts, standards and mandatory eco-labels; bestow official power to demand, forbid, guarantee, adjudicate.
  3. Governmental procurement policies: public procurement of goods, services and construction using or promoting LCA in management-related decisions in different sectors and at different levels (agencies, ministries, departments).
  4. Financial support: covers instances where governmental agencies fund measures aimed to support the application of LCA by private actors; includes LCA completed in collaboration with, or funded by, public authorities; includes negative incentives such as taxes.
  5. Administrative practices: cover the use of LCA in-house in different agencies and departments, but also in state-owned corporations.
  6. Strategic guidance: covers references to life cycle assessment and life cycle thinking principles in high-level government strategy documents, action plans, scenarios or roadmaps; includes alternative terms whenever (a) the principles to which they refer are close to life cycle thinking and/or (b) the specific policy tool to which they refer is clearly within the family of policy tools that contain LCA.

Instruments by Category

Instrument Category 
Informational measures Nodality
Legislative and regulatory frameworks Authority
Governmental procurement Treasure
Financial support Treasure
Administrative practices Organization
Strategic guidance Organization

LCA Instruments per jurisdiction

JurisdictionInstrumentInstrument TypeCategory
AustraliaLeaflet (2009) promoting the relevance of LCA for agriculture and primary industriesInformational measuresNodality
AustraliaEcologically sustainable design guide (2009)Informational measuresNodality
AustraliaAustralian national life cycle inventory database (2011)Informational measuresNodality
AustraliaGreen Star – voluntary green building ratingInformational measuresNodality
AustraliaAustralian packaging covenant organisation guidelines for sustainable packingInformational measuresNodality
AustraliaFinancial support of bioenergy projects from Australian renewable energy agency depending on LCAFinancial supportTreasure
AustraliaLCA as allowed method of carbon neutral certification within the carbon neutral programFinancial supportTreasure
CaliforniaCalifornian code of regulations title 24, part 11 (Californian green building code 2013): LCA dispositions for residential and non-residential sectors (voluntary measures)Legislative and regulatory frameworkAuthority
CaliforniaCalifornian oil recycling enhancement act (2009): comprehensive LCA of used lubricating and industrial oil management processLegislative and regulatory frameworkAuthority
CaliforniaLow carbon fuel standard (2007): carbon intensity norms based on LCALegislative and regulatory frameworkAuthority
CaliforniaPavement management system based on network-level GHG LCA equations (California Department of Transportation)Governmental procurement policyTreasure
CaliforniaEnvironmentally preferable purchasing programGovernmental procurement policyTreasure
California2015 Executive order (B-30-15) requires full life-cycle cost accounting to evaluate and compare infrastructure investments and alternativesGovernmental procurement policyTreasure
CaliforniaLCA to evaluate the impacts of hazardous waste management systems (Department of toxic substance control)Strategic guidanceOrganization
CanadaGHGenius – lifecycle emissions model for transportation fuels and technologiesInformational measuresNodality
CanadaCanadian raw material database (government supported University of Waterloo’s inventory data) INACTIVEInformational measuresNodality
CanadaCanadian agri-food life cycle data centre (food systems priority research for integrated sustainability management laboratory, University of British Columbia)Informational measuresNodality
CanadaClean fuel standard: LCA modelling tool required to evaluate the carbon intensity of domestic and imported fuels (ECCC)Legislative and regulatory frameworkAuthority
CanadaClimate lens – general guidance (2019) for projects funded by Canada Infrastructure program, Disaster mitigation and adaption fund, and Smart cities challenge.Legislative and regulatory frameworkAuthority
CanadaCost-benefit analysis framework (2019) as part of the regulatory impact analysis statement to assess life cycle carbon intensity of domestic and imported fossil fuelsLegislative and regulatory frameworkAuthority
CanadaSupply manual (annex 2.2. on green procurement mentions life cycle costing and life cycle thinking)Governmental procurement policyTreasure
CanadaPolicy on green procurement (2006) mentions LCA as general principleGovernmental procurement policyTreasure
CanadaPublic services and procurement Canada’s office of greening government operations requires LCA for certain purchases TRANSFER TO Treasury BoardGovernmental procurement policyTreasure
CanadaMilk production LCA (2018), supported by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Canadian Diary CommissionFinancial supportTreasure
CanadaLCA report on the environmental performance of solar photovoltaic technologies (2010), funded by Canmet EnergyFinancial supportTreasure
CanadaMoney paper LCA commissioned by the Bank of CanadaAdministrative practicesOrganization
CanadaPotash LCA funded by the Saskatchewan government as a part of a NRCan research projectFinancial supportTreasure
CanadaLife cycle assessment in agriculture – potential applications, social license and market asses (2014), funded by the Albertan government and the (federal) Growing Forward 2 initiativeFinancial supportTreasure
DenmarkLCA methodology guidelines on spatial differentiation in life cycle impact assessment (Environmental protection agency)Informational measuresNodality
Denmark“An introduction to life cycle thinking and management “ (2003, Environmental protection agency), guidelines for companiesInformational measuresNodality
DenmarkLCA and life cycle cost calculation tools developed by the Environmental protection agency (2014) for industries to calculate the environmental impact of buildings and constructionInformational measuresNodality
DenmarkLCA Center Denmark (2002), supported by the Environmental protection agencyInformational measuresNodality
DenmarkGreen procurement through the Forum on sustainable procurement (ministry of the environment)Governmental procurement policyTreasure
DenmarkGreen procurement through the Partnership for green public procurement (ministry of the environment)Governmental procurement policyTreasure
DenmarkGreen procurement through the Responsible procurer (ministry of the environment)Governmental procurement policyTreasure
DenmarkEnvironmental protection agency’s promotion of green procurement policies in the public sectorGovernmental procurement policyTreasure
DenmarkArla foods environmental and loss account LCA funded by the Environmental protection agencyFinancial supportTreasure
Denmark“Denmark without waste. Recycle more – incinerate less” (2013); strategy including LCA-based scenarios to collect and treat wasteStrategic guidanceOrganization
EUEuropean platform on life cycle assessmentInformational measuresNodality
EUEU ecolabels based on LCA criteria to promote environmentally friendly productsInformational measuresNodality
EUProduct environmental footprint pilot phase to harmonize LCA implementationInformational measuresNodality
EUSupporting Environmentally Sound Decisions for Waste Management – A technical guide to Life Cycle Thinking (LCT) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for waste experts and LCA practitioners (JRC, 2011)Informational measuresNodality
EUISPRA research campus offers LCA expertise and training, notably for nuclear decommissioning and waste managementInformational measuresNodality
EURecommendation of the Commission (2013/179/EU) the use of common methods to measure and communicate the life cycle environmental performance of products and organisationsLegislative and regulatory frameworkAuthority
EUThe Integrated Product Policy and its toolbox, including LCA), aim to minimize the environmental degradation of products through all phases of their life cycle.Legislative and regulatory frameworkAuthority
EURenewable energy directive (2018/2001) mentions LCA as a tool to evaluate eligible fuelsLegislative and regulatory frameworkAuthority
EUEco-design directive (2009/125/EC) requires that the eco-design of energy-related products considers environmental life cycle aspectLegislative and regulatory frameworkAuthority
EUWaste framework directive (2008/98/EC) requires that waste prevention programs consider the entire life cycle of products and materialsLegislative and regulatory frameworkAuthority
EUGreen public procurement encouraged by the Integrated product policy toolboxGovernmental procurement policyTreasure
EUGreen public procurement includes life cycle costing mechanismGovernmental procurement policyTreasure
EUSustainable consumption and production and sustainable industrial policy action plan (SCP/SIP) relates to LCA elements and policiesStrategic guidanceOrganization
EUClosing the loop. An EU action plan for the circular economy (2015), including LCA as a methodology to communicate environmental informationStrategic guidanceOrganization
EUBuilding the Single Market for Green Products. Facilitating better information on the environmental performance of products and organizations (2013), including the harmonization of LCA methodologyStrategic guidanceOrganization
EUResource-efficient Europe flagship initiative: roadmap to better communicate to citizens and public authorities the environmental impact of goods and services over their life cycleStrategic guidanceOrganization
EUBetter regulation for better results – An EU agenda (2015). LCA is listed in the Better regulation toolboxStrategic guidanceOrganization
FranceCreation and supporting of poles de compétitivité (e.g. eco-design)Informational measuresNodality
FranceGeneral principles for an environmental communication on mass market products (AFNOR, 2016)Informational measuresNodality
FranceBase IMPACTS + bilan produit (ADEME): LCA based software to assess environmental impacts of productsInformational measuresNodality
FranceAgriBalyse (ADEME): database of life cycle inventories of agricultural productsInformational measuresNodality
FranceLes actions de l’ADEME pour soutenir la transition vers l’économie circulaire (2015) : review documentInformational measuresNodality
FranceADEME financial support for the production of complementary data for Base IMPACTSInformational measuresNodality
FranceRéférentiel d’évaluation des impacts environnementaux des systèmes photovoltaïques par la méthode d’analyse de cycle de vie (ADEME, 2012)Informational measuresNodality
FranceEco-label regulation and experimentation on environmental labelling (2011-12)Legislative and regulatory frameworkAuthority
FranceLoi de transition énergétique pour la croissance verte (2015) requires transparent environmental communicationLegislative and regulatory frameworkAuthority
FranceLoi Grenelle I : transition to a circular economy must be made through the promotion of industrial and territorial ecology, and ecological product design.Strategic guidanceOrganization
FranceLoi Grenelle II launches an experimentation on eco-labelling and favors the use of LCA for the environmental declaration of productsLegislative and regulatory frameworkAuthority
FranceNF Environment ecolabel by AFNOR (in collaboration with ADEME)Informational measuresNodality
FranceIntégrer les trois types de législations mentionnés par PV cycle https://www.pvcycle.fr/missions/Legislative and regulatory frameworkAuthority
FranceRevenu garant de l’environnement certification required for subsidy demands for certain photovoltaic energy projects; many LCA based labels are recognized as RGE certificationLegislative and regulatory frameworkAuthority
FrancePlan d’action national pour les achats publics durables (2004)Governmental procurement policyTreasure
FranceProgramme d’investissement d’avenir (2010) supports eco-design projects that ca be based on LCAFinancial supportTreasure
FranceADEME (Environment & energy management agency) finances and completes a variety of LCA studiesFinancial supportTreasure
FranceThe Energy Regulatory Commission conducted a procurement process for photovoltaic installation projects (above 250 kW) requiring LCAAdministrative practicesOrganization
FranceStratégie nationale bas-carbone refers to eco-conception for the buildings sector and waste managementStrategic guidanceOrganization
FranceStratégie nationale de développement durable aims to build a circular economy by 2020Strategic guidanceOrganization
FranceStragégie de développement durable de la défense committed to design equipement by considering its life cycleStrategic guidanceOrganization
GermanyFederal environmental agency manual on the use of valuation in LCA (1999)Informational measuresNodality
GermanyÖkobaudat, database of building services and construction materialsInformational measuresNodality
GermanyGerman LCA network (2003-2008)Informational measuresNodality
GermanyProBase internet portal offers various data sets for LCA useInformational measuresNodality
GermanyJoint guidelines (2010, 2012) by the government and the federation of industries for companies to calculate and communicate product carbon footprintsInformational measuresNodality
GermanyPackaging ordinance (1995) requires LCA for beverage packaging; amendment (2003) requires deposit for single-use beverage packagingLegislative and regulatory frameworkAuthority
Germany“Top-runner approach” as guiding principle in product-related environmental protectionGovernmental procurement policyTreasure
GermanyContract-award law allows for factoring in of life cycle cost in the bid assessment process, in some cases prescribes it.Governmental procurement policyTreasure
GermanyÖkoinstitut study (2005) based on LCA on the performance of the municipal waste sector with regard to climate change, commissioned by the Federal environmental agencyFinancial supportTreasure
GermanyStrategic cornerstones for sustainable development in municipalities (2015) refers to the need to assess life cycle of infrastructure projectsStrategic guidanceOrganization
GermanyNational programme for sustainable consumption (2016) outlines strategies to systematically strengthen and develop sustainable consumption in various areasStrategic guidanceOrganization
GermanyThe German annex to the leaders’ declaration G7 summit (2015) promotes life cycle based decision-makingStrategic guidanceOrganization
IrelandCapital works management framework guides and assists construction cost professionals in carrying out whole life cycle cost analysis and producing life cycle cost modelsInformational measuresNodality
IrelandApplication of LCA-to-go European program forInformational measuresNodality
IrelandGreen procurement – guidance for the public sector (2014)Governmental procurement policyTreasure
IrelandPublic bodies and schools are required to report annually to Sustainable energy authority of Ireland on their energy performanceGovernmental procurement policyTreasure
IrelandResearch stimulus fund (2006-2010) funded several LCA studiesFinancial supportTreasure
IrelandEnvironmental protection agency financed research project to evaluate life cycle impact of wastewater treatment plants (2014)Financial supportTreasure
IrelandDepartment for the environment, community and local government funded LCA study on compost production and agricultural use produced by Rx3 (2012)Financial supportTreasure
IrelandOur sustainable future – a framework for sustainable development for Ireland (2012) refers to the necessity to consider the full life cycleStrategic guidanceOrganization
IrelandIreland’s Environment – An Assessment (2016): the state-of-the environment report indicates that regulatory approaches will require LCA in the coming decades for business as well as eco-label standardsStrategic guidanceOrganization
ItalyScientific network rete italiana LCAInformational measuresNodality
ItalyLaboratory for the valorization of resources in production and territorial systems (RISE)Informational measuresNodality
ItalySupporting environmentally sound decisions for waste management – a technical guide to life cycle thinking and life cycle assessment for waste experts and LCA practitioners (2011)Informational measuresNodality
ItalyLaw 221/2016 to promote green economy and restrict excessive use of natural resources refers to LCA in green procurementLegislative and regulatory frameworkAuthority
ItalyMade green in Italy (2018): a voluntary national certification system using the LCA European Product Environmental Footprint methodologyLegislative and regulatory frameworkAuthority
ItalyGreen public Procurement based on law 221/2016 refers to optional LCA INACTIVEGovernmental procurement policyTreasure
ItalyTraining from the environmental ministry available if there is no LCA expertise within a public administration unitGovernmental procurement policyTreasure
ItalyEnvironmental impact assessment program (2011) aligned with EU’s PEF/OEFStrategic guidanceOrganization
JapanMETI pilot project to apply EU’S PEFLegislative and regulatory frameworkAuthority
JapanMETI supported pilot phase as part of its carbon footprint of products programme that uses LCA to identify “hot spots” in products’ life cycle (after2012, the programme is transferred to the industry association)Informational measuresNodality
JapanMETI life cycle impact assessment method based on endpoint modelling (LIME) and LCA database (project (1998-2003); follow-up: LIME 2 (2003-2006) and LIME 3 (2011)Informational measuresNodality
JapanLife cycle assessment society of Japan, supported by METIInformational measuresNodality
JapanMandatory GHG accounting and reporting system (2006) requires large companies and public organizations to assess emissions over the life cycleLegislative and regulatory frameworkAuthority
JapanBasic environment plan – environmentally sound material cycle refers to LCA in governmental evaluationsStrategic guidanceOrganization
Japan3R initiative proposed by the Prime minister at the G8 summit 2004Strategic guidanceOrganization
NetherlandsHandbook environmental prizes (2017) by CE Delft consultancy, commissioned by the Ministry of infrastructure and the environmentInformational measuresNodality
NetherlandsReCiPe (2008, revised 2016) model used for impact analysis in LCA, developed by the Ministry of health, welfare and sportInformational measuresNodality
NetherlandsNational environmental database provides standardized data for LCA in the construction sector (managed by the private sector, but with support of the government)Informational measuresNodality
NetherlandsDuboCalc (2010/2013) calculates the environmental impacts different infrastructure designs, based on material and energy use during the whole lifecycle, based on LCAGovernmental procurement policyTreasure
New ZealandLife cycle association New Zealnd, creation supported by the governmentInformational measuresNodality
New ZealandResearch commissioned by the primary industries ministry used LCA to establish a database on construction materialsInformational measuresNodality
New ZealandThe greenhouse gas footprinting (2007) of the primary industries ministry covers GHG over the life cycle of products and servicesInformational measuresNodality
New ZealandLCA study (2015) on the environmental impact of electric vehiclesInformational measuresNodality
New ZealandLivestock and environmental assessment partnership (LEAP) and PEF/OEFInformational measuresNodality
New ZealandSustainable land management and climate change research programme provides annual subsidies for research projects, LCA is a favoured research topicFinancial supportTreasure
QuebecCIRAIG database inventory, supported by the governmentInformational measuresNodality
QuebecOpen input-output databaseInformational measuresNodality
QuebecLoi sur la qualité de l’environnement (53.4.1) allows for change in waste management priorities due to LCA justificationLegislative and regulatory frameworkAuthority
QuebecCharte du bois (2017) : GHG LCA required for publicly funded construction projectsLegislative and regulatory frameworkAuthority
QuebecEDDEC research project funded by the government to analyze the life cycle of strategic materials (iron, copper, lithium)Financial supportTreasure
QuebecGrain sector LCA (2015) funded by the Quebec and federal governmentFinancial supportTreasure
QuebecCIRAIG-led LCA studies on pavement (2009, 2019) funded by the governmentFinancial supportTreasure
QuebecCIRAIG-led LCA studies on product and services for Hydro-QuebecFinancial supportTreasure
QuebecOrientation ministérielle sur le choix des types de chaussées 2010-2015 (2012) : LCA as decision-making tool for managing the road networkAdministrative practicesOrganization
QuebecPlan d’action du développement durable 2016-2021 refers to EDDEC analysis of strategic materialsStrategic guidanceOrganization
QuebecPlan d’action 2013-2020 sur les changements climatiques : pilot project for carbon footprint certificationLegislative and regulatory frameworkAuthority
QuebecStratégie gouvernementale de développement durable 2015-2020 : eco-responsible managing practices for public administration, including life cycle notionStrategic guidanceOrganization
QuebecTransporter le Québec vers la modernité : Politique de mobilité durable 2030 (2018) refers to LCA to assess fuelsStrategic guidanceOrganization
SwedenSwedish life cycle center partly funded by the government; Life cycle database owned by the center (maintained by Chalmers Univerity of Technology)Informational measuresNodality
SwedenInternational environmental product declaration system (2014) led by IVL Swedish research instituteInformational measuresNodality
SwedenNornet LC funded by Nordic Built; Nordic network for LCA use (2015-17)Informational measuresNodality
SwedenSwedish environmental protection agency’s national action plan for environmentally sustainable procurement refers to life cycle costingGovernmental procurement policyTreasure
SwedenCounting on LCC energy: tool to calculate life cycle costs of products for procurementGovernmental procurement policyTreasure
SwedenSwedish national roadmap for implementing the European environmental technologies action plan (2006) promotes life cycle costing in procurement (action 20)Governmental procurement policyTreasure
SwedenIVL-led LCA study (2017) on lithium batteries for vehicles funded by the Swedish energy agency and the Swedish transport administrationFinancial supportTreasure
SwedenIVL-led LCA study (2009) on wood pellet production funded by the Swedish energy agencyFinancial supportTreasure
SwedenGreenBridge (2015), doctoral thesis to develop a LCA tool to assess life cycle cost of bridges, partially funded by the Swedish transport agencyFinancial supportTreasure
SwedenNational research program for energy efficiency in historic buildings (2016) and VindEL (2017), including life cycle as possible qualifying criterion, funded by the governmentFinancial supportTreasure
SwedenLCA calculation tool for the construction of roads and infrastructure of the Swedish transport agency must be used by suppliersGovernmental procurement policyTreasure
SwedenLCA study (2014) by the Swedish transport agency to compare options for the the extension of a highway (Västra Linken Umeå)Administrative practicesOrganization
SwedenSweden’s environmental objectives – an introduction (20012) refers to non-toxic and efficient materials life cycle as generational goalsStrategic guidanceOrganization
SwedenStrategy for Sweden’s global development cooperation in the areas of environmental sustainability, sustainable climate and oceans, and sustainable use of natural resources 2018-2022 (2018) refers to life cycle perspective for sustainable production and consumptionStrategic guidanceOrganization
SwedenGovernment bill (2008/09:35) on future travel and transport infrastructure for sustainable growth refers to life cycle perspectiveStrategic guidanceOrganization
SwedenGovernment bill (2021/13:25) on investments for a strong and sustainable transport system refers to life cycle cost of materials and methodsStrategic guidanceOrganization
SwitzerlandSwiss agricultural life cycle assessment databaseInformational measuresNodality
SwitzerlandEcoinvent life cycle inventory database (founded with the support of the government)Informational measuresNodality
SwitzerlandWorld food LCA database to support environmental product declaration and ecodesignInformational measuresNodality
SwitzerlandNational resource and efficiency network provides analytical tools to assess resource and material efficiency, codeveloped by the governementInformational measuresNodality
SwitzerlandSFOE energy research database INACTIVEInformational measuresNodality
SwitzerlandGreen economy action plan (2013) refers to the importance of a life perspectiveGovernmental procurement policyTreasure
SwitzerlandSustainable development strategy 2016019 refers to life and material cyclesStrategic guidanceOrganization
UKCode for sustainable homes (2007): voluntary national standard using LCA (certification under governmental contract)Informational measuresNodality
UKInventory and carbon database V3:national material database with focus on energy and carbon, funded by the governmentInformational measuresNodality
UKLCA study on food supply and production chains funded by the governmental Food chain programme (2006-07)Informational measuresNodality
UKSustainable clothing roadmap (2007) to improve life cycle of clothing, government coordination; implementation through Waste and resources action programme (2011)Legislative and regulatory frameworkAuthority
UKWaste and resources action programme to reduce voluntarily reduce household food waste, packaging and supply chain waste throughout their life cycle (Courtault commitment 2005-2015)Legislative and regulatory frameworkAuthority
UKNational sustainable public procurement programme aligned with the European Commission’s Green public procurement programme initiativeGovernmental procurement policyTreasure
UKLCA study on supermarket carrier bags (2011) funded by the governmentFinancial supportTreasure
UKNewcomers’ guide to life cycle assessment – baselines and boundaries’ (2015) funded by the governmentFinancial supportTreasure
UKLCA study on nappies (2005, update 2008) funded by the governmentFinancial supportTreasure
UKApplication of a LCA study in waste planning and strategy development via the WISARD software tool supported by the governmentAdministrative practicesOrganization
UKBest practicable environmental option guiding the administration in environmental decision-making, LCA as key component; used for decommissioning nuclear installations and waste managementAdministrative practicesOrganization
USAU.S. life cycle inventory database (2011) created by NRELInformational measuresNodality
USAEPA Life cycle engineering guidelines (2001) to facilitate LCA implementation in the engineering of products, processes, and installationsInformational measuresNodality
USALCA commons – plateform containing LCA analyses and providing LCA dataInformational measuresNodality
USALCA collection: catalogue and archive of data, tools, and resources that support LCA for agriculture and related areas of researchInformational measuresNodality
USAGREET (Greenhouse gases, regulated emissions, and energy use in transportation): model to evaluate vehicle and fuel combinations on a fuel-cycle/vehicle-cycle bases, developed by the governmentInformational measuresNodality
USAEnergy independence and security act (2007) requires EPA to perform LCA to create regulatory standards (U.S. renewable fuel standards)Legislative and regulatory frameworkAuthority
USAEnvironmental preferable purchasing refers to life cycle perspective/multiple attributes as a guiding principleGovernmental procurement policyTreasure
USANew methods in environmental remediation life cycle assessment (2004) under the Experimental program to stimulate competitive research: LCA protocol for human health risk, economic and sociopolitical assessmentFinancial supportTreasure
USAEPA Safer choice program uses LCA as part of an environmental certification programAdministrative practicesOrganization
USAMany labs related to the U.S. department of energy use LCA in various sectors (e.g. NREL)Administrative practicesOrganization
USAEnvironmental impact statement uses LCA to assess corporate average fuel economy standards for passenger’s car and light trucks (2018)Administrative practicesOrganization

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Due to the exploratory nature of the research, the database is not exhaustive. If you know of other LCA-related government instruments that are in use in one of the 17 OECD jurisdictions, do not hesitate to send us information. Thank you for your contribution!

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