PA25 - Summary of LCA methodologies reviewed
In the PATHWAYS project, a review of the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies was carried out with the aim of identifying research gaps with regards to soil C, soil N2O emissions, manure emissions, circular economy, animal welfare, nutrition and biodiversity. This was done with a participatory approach involving different experts in Life Cycle Assessment, livestock science, biodiversity, nutritional aspects, circular economy and food-feed competitions. The group of experts also covered all the main livestock sectors including beef, dairy, pig and poultry, sheep and goats. This review and harmonization process contributed to raising awareness of the current methods available, their characteristics and limitations. It also provided a set of recommendations for LCA practitioners on how to carry out assessments depending on data availability, and expertise requirements.
The methodologies analysed for soil C, manure, soil N2O emissions, manure emissions showed that depending on the objectives of the assessment different methods could be employed which have different level of accuracy. Further improvements in the LCA methodologies with regards to biodiversity, circular economy and nutrition will contribute to better capturing livestock systems characteristics. Further information can be found in the following article here.
Additional information
CONTACT AUTHOR: Pietro Goglio, University of Perugia, pietro.goglio@unipg.it
Pathways for transitions to sustainability in livestock husbandry and food systems
Ongoing | 2021-2026
- Main funding source
- Horizon Europe (EU Research and Innovation Programme)
- Geographical location
- Sweden, Netherlands, Denmark, Spain, Poland, Romania, Italy, France, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland United Kingdom