The Renewable Carbon Initiative (RCI) has released a detailed study analyzing Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and carbon footprint standards concerning renewable carbon sources, including biomass, carbon capture, and recycling. Conducted by Nova-Institute, the study compares major sustainability frameworks, highlighting areas of consensus and divergence.
LCA is the key methodology for assessing environmental impacts, but its complexity and varying approaches challenge fair assessments, particularly for renewable carbon-based materials competing with fossil-based alternatives. The study evaluates key LCA frameworks, including ISO 14040/44, ISO 14067, the GHG Protocol, PACT’s Pathfinder Framework, and others relevant to industry and policy.
The findings indicate general agreement on biogenic carbon accounting, with most frameworks following the -1/+1 approach, except for PEF and RED III, which use a net-zero method. However, substantial differences exist in handling processes with multiple outputs and whether co-products can be credited through system expansion. Recycling methodologies also show significant variability.
The study comprises three reports: a 146-page assessment of LCA methodologies, a 36-page focus on recycling, and a 15-page non-technical summary for policymakers. RCI calls for clearer guidelines on critical aspects such as mass balance attribution and carbon capture utilization (CCU) to ensure consistency in sustainability assessments.
As industries shift toward circular carbon solutions, the study underscores the need for standardized LCA methodologies to create a level playing field for renewable carbon products. Policymakers and stakeholders must address methodological flexibility to enhance transparency and comparability in carbon footprint evaluations.
