Comprehensive LCA Training Course

From LCA fundamentals to practical openLCA competency in four days. Hands-on skill development, proven across academia and industry.

Master Life Cycle Assessment Through Intensive Hands-On Training

This comprehensive four-day programme takes participants from LCA fundamentals to practical openLCA competency. Building on Decerna’s proven training approach successfully delivered to academic institutions and industry, this course emphasises hands-on skill development over theoretical overview.

Programme Structure

Day 1: LCA Fundamentals

• Life Cycle Assessment methodology and core concepts
• ISO 14040/14044 standards framework
• System boundaries and functional units
• Life Cycle Inventory analysis and data collection
• Impact assessment methods overview
• Introduction to databases and software options
• Applications across different sectors

Days 2-4: Intensive openLCA Training

• Software installation and setup procedures
• Database acquisition and import from various sources
• Building a complete example model step-by-step
• Advanced functionality including:
• • Waste flows and allocation methods
  • Parameterisation and switches
  • Scenario development and comparison
  • Sensitivity analysis techniques
  • Data quality assessment using pedigree matrices
  • IPC connectivity for external tool integration
  • Python coding for automated workflows
• Collaboration server demonstration for team projects
• Individual project development tailored to each participant

Key Learning Outcomes

Participants will complete the course with:

• Foundational LCA knowledge – solid understanding of methodology and ISO standards
• Practical openLCA skills – ability to build and analyse models independently
• Hands-on experience – work through complete LCA examples during training
• Individual project framework – tailored model relevant to your sector
• Collaboration capabilities – understand version control and team-based assessment

Who Should Attend

This training is designed for professionals who need to:

• Understand LCA methodology for sustainability initiatives
• Build in-house capability for environmental assessments
• Work more effectively with LCA consultants and interpret their reports
• Incorporate life cycle thinking into product development
• Support sustainability reporting with quantitative analysis
• Develop skills for future specialised applications

Practical Focus

Unlike theoretical courses, this programme emphasises practical implementation:

• Four days of hands-on software training
• Build complete working models during the course
• Learn through doing, not just listening
• Individual support for specific applications
• Take away example models and templates

Your Expert Trainers

Led by Decerna’s experienced LCA team including Dr Tom Bradley (Technical Director), Jonathan Forbes, and Tia Morgan. With over a decade conducting LCA studies across multiple sectors, our trainers bring practical insights from real project experience.

What’s Included

• Four full days of expert instruction
• Comprehensive course materials and reference guides
• Access to example models and templates
• Software installation support
• Database access guidance
• 30 days post-course technical support
• Certificate of completion
• Lunch and refreshments daily

Investment in Capability

This intensive programme provides the foundation for developing in-house LCA expertise. The practical skills gained enable informed decision-making about environmental assessments and sustainability strategies.

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