Life Cycle Assessment Fundamentals

Programme Summary

Build the understanding needed to commission, interpret and develop a bounded life cycle assessment. Participants define a functional unit, map a product system, assemble an inventory and interpret selected environmental impact results. Practical exercises expose how boundaries, allocation, data quality and assumptions influence conclusions, supporting responsible product decisions while distinguishing a screening study from a fully reviewed comparative assessment.

Training Objectives

1 Clarify life cycle assessment purposes and phases; 2 Strengthen functional unit and boundary definition; 3 Develop disciplined inventory and impact calculations; 4 Improve interpretation of assumptions and tradeoffs; 5 Support responsible communication of study limitations.

Learning Outcomes

1 Define a functional unit and reference flow; 2 Map a product system and assessment boundaries; 3 Build a simplified traceable life cycle inventory; 4 Calculate selected impacts using supplied factors; 5 Interpret sensitivity results and comparative claim limitations.

Target Audience

Environmental Analysts; Product Development Engineers; Sustainability Specialists; Packaging Technologists; Procurement Specialists; Process Engineers.

Target Industries

Manufacturing; Packaging; Construction Materials; Food Production; Consumer Products; Electronics.

Course Contents

• Module 1 Life Cycle Thinking and Assessment Purpose: Environmental burdens across product life stages; Study phases and iterative assessment logic; Screening studies versus decision grade assessments.
• Module 2 Goal Scope and Intended Application: Decision questions audiences and study limitations; Intended comparisons and review implications; Geographic temporal and technological scope.
• Module 3 Functional Unit and Reference Flow: Defining the product function and performance; Calculating reference flows for equivalent function; Avoiding misleading comparisons between unlike systems.
• Module 4 Product Systems and Boundaries: Mapping unit processes and lifecycle stages; Cutoff criteria exclusions and completeness checks; Transport infrastructure use and end of life.
• Module 5 Life Cycle Inventory Development: Material energy water and emission flows; Primary and secondary data collection; Units mass balances and evidence traceability.
• Module 6 Allocation and Multifunctional Processes: Shared process functions and allocation challenges; Avoiding allocation and explaining chosen approaches; Recycling assumptions and boundary consistency.
• Module 7 Data Quality and Representativeness: Temporal geographic and technological relevance; Completeness precision uncertainty and data gaps; Supplier evidence and database selection considerations.
• Module 8 Life Cycle Impact Assessment: Classification characterisation and impact category meaning; Applying supplied characterisation factors transparently; Distinguishing midpoint indicators from actual damage.
• Module 9 Carbon Footprints and Broader Impacts: Product carbon versus organisational greenhouse inventories; Single category footprints and omitted environmental effects; Climate water resources and burden shifting.
• Module 10 Interpretation and Sensitivity Analysis: Hotspot identification and completeness checks; Testing significant assumptions and data choices; Conclusions consistent with study limitations.
• Module 11 Reporting Review and Responsible Claims: Transparent methods results and limitation statements; Review needs for intended public comparisons; Avoiding unsupported overall environmental superiority claims.
• Module 12 Simplified Life Cycle Case: Building a bounded product inventory model; Comparing options with explicit functional equivalence; Presenting sensitivity results and further evidence needs.

Assessment

• 60 single best answer questions, including applied scenarios; one mark per question.
• 90 minute invigilated digital examination with identity verification. Approved accessibility adjustments preserve the assessed competence.
• Supplied reference pack and calculator permitted; external internet and AI prohibited.
• Individual applied assessment (45 minutes): Complete a supplied product inventory model, calculate two impact indicators, test one boundary or allocation assumption and present conclusions with explicit limitations on product comparisons.
• Assessment criteria: Consistent functional unit boundaries and inventory; Accurate calculations and transparent assumptions; Balanced interpretation sensitivity and claim limitations.
• Pass each component separately: 45/60 written marks (75%) and at least 70% on the applied task.
• All mandatory criteria must pass: Do not claim overall environmental superiority from an unsupported or functionally unequal comparison.
• Individual results and feedback are provided. One reassessment may follow coaching under the published enrolment terms.

Certification

• Successful learners receive a TQCSI Arabia digital Certificate of Successful Completion.
• The certificate records the learner name, exact programme title, teaching hours, completion date and unique verification reference.
• Verified identity, full attendance and separate written and applied passes are required; all mandatory critical criteria must be met.
• Proposed issue target: within 30 calendar days of approved results and settlement of applicable fees.
• Records life cycle assessment foundation skills; it does not certify products, approve environmental declarations or establish competence for independent critical review.
• Attendance confirmation may record completed hours for unsuccessful learners; it does not certify successful completion.

Programme Profile

Number of daysNumber of daysNumber of days

333

Total teaching hoursTotal teaching hoursTotal teaching hours

18 hours; breaks, pre course work and formal final assessments excluded.18 hours; breaks, pre course work and formal final assessments excluded.18 hours; breaks, pre course work and formal final assessments excluded.

Delegates allowedDelegates allowedDelegates allowed

Maximum 16 delegates.Maximum 16 delegates.Maximum 16 delegates.

Training prerequisitesTraining prerequisitesTraining prerequisites

Basic numeracy and spreadsheet skills are required. Familiarity with products, process flows or environmental data is recommended; prior life cycle assessment experience is not required.Basic numeracy and spreadsheet skills are required. Familiarity with products, process flows or environmental data is recommended; prior life cycle assessment experience is not required.Basic numeracy and spreadsheet skills are required. Familiarity with products, process flows or environmental data is recommended; prior life cycle assessment experience is not required.

Pre course assignment and assessmentPre course assignment and assessmentPre course assignment and assessment

Review a supplied product description and complete a 30 minute diagnostic on units, process flows and lifecycle boundaries.Review a supplied product description and complete a 30 minute diagnostic on units, process flows and lifecycle boundaries.Review a supplied product description and complete a 30 minute diagnostic on units, process flows and lifecycle boundaries.

End of course assessmentEnd of course assessmentEnd of course assessment

60 question written exam (90 minutes) and individual applied task (45 minutes).60 question written exam (90 minutes) and individual applied task (45 minutes).60 question written exam (90 minutes) and individual applied task (45 minutes).

Passing criteriaPassing criteriaPassing criteria

75% written and 70% applied, passed separately; full attendance. All mandatory criteria must pass.75% written and 70% applied, passed separately; full attendance. All mandatory criteria must pass.75% written and 70% applied, passed separately; full attendance. All mandatory criteria must pass.