Proceedings of the 1st openLCA.conf

Various software solutions are employed for conducting Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs). GreenDelta has been at the forefront of this field since 2006, developing the open-source software openLCA, which is highly suitable for LCA studies. Over the years, openLCA has gained global recognition as the most extensively used LCA software. It provides the broadest selection of databases for LCA software, boasting over 300,000 unique datasets. These databases encompass both environmental and socio-economic aspects, enabling reliable computations for Sustainability and Life Cycle Assessment.

In recent years, openLCA has seen significant advancements, not only as a standalone tool but also as a solution integrated with other sustainability tools and add-ons. Complementary tools, such as the LCA Collaboration Server, have facilitated cooperation among LCA practitioners and have also enabled the creation and publication of additional databases. Furthermore, due to its low entry barrier and the availability of resources, openLCA has been widely adopted for LCA studies, projects, and research worldwide.

This document encapsulates the proceedings of the inaugural openLCA conference, held in Berlin, Germany, on the 15th and 16th of April, 2024. openLCA.conf serves as a networking and exchange platform for openLCA users and enthusiasts. The conference emphasizes the participants’ engagement with the software and sheds light on the latest advancements.

The following topics were discussed at the conference:

·       Case studies and use cases

·       openLCA in Industry

·       LCIA methods

·       Data (inventory and impacts)

·       Environmental Product Declarations

·       Tooling, supporting tools for openLCA and integration of openLCA in larger IT systems

·       Collaboration in openLCA

·       Advanced Topics

All abstracts presented in this document were peer reviewed by experienced LCA professionals.