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LIFE-CYCLE ASSESSMENT (LCA) PROGRAM
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Description:
Environmental life-cycle assessment (LCA) provides a framework, approach, and methods for identifying and evaluating environmental burdens associated with the life cycles of materials and services, from cradle-to-grave. The National Risk Management Research Laboratory's Sustainable Technology Division's Life-Cycle Assessment Team is charged with advancing LCA practice and application across the public and private sectors. The program applies LCA in environmental research through in-house and extramural programs focused on three objectives: (1) developing the conceptual model and methodology for conducting LCA (including efforts to make life-cycle data more readily available to LCA practitioners); (2) advancing the state-of-the-practice through various forums, such as conferences, workshops, and publications; and (3) employing LCA tools and techniques as support to environmental decision-makers in real world operations. Researchers are also involved in the international development process, including the International Standards Organisation (ISO 14000), the Society for Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC), and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). For additional information on the LCA program, visit the website at http://www.epa.gov/ORD/NRMRL/std/sab/LCA.htm. To access directly from this website, click on downloads on the navigation bar.