274
Since LCSM needs life cycle information, the availability of reliable data is also
important. Due to the enormous amount of data needed to perform an LCA study,
capacity-building regarding data development and database management can be
also of interest. In this sense, a training kit has been developed, based on the Global
Guidance for LCA Databases (UNEP/SETAC 2011 ). Data, however, are not enough
for understanding data formation; impact assessment models and further training on
the review of the LCA of products are highly recommended to be able to interpret
the results.
The improved understanding of impact assessment models and frameworks
facilitates the interpretation of results and their use in design choices (eco-design),
sustainable consumption (sustainable procurement), strategic planning in business
and LCA in policies. Further skills and abilities are necessary for communicating
sustainability performance, aiming at disseminating best practices and improvements while avoiding greenwashing.
The choice of the training path and whether or not a topic is considered in a
capacity-building program depends on the needs of the audience and on country and
company priorities. No matter the choice, the continual improvement of capacities
should remain a focus.
4 Conclusions, Recommendations and Outlook
4.1 Conclusions and Recommendations
1. General progress since 2002.
Countries have advanced since 2002, when none of them counted on a life cycle
network or a LCA database (UNEP/SETAC 2015b ). The authors recommend
reinforcing the trend in the countries analyzed with continual capacity- building
programs, fi nancial support and technical assistance endorsed by national and
local governments and facilitated by agencies for international co- operation and
inter-governmental organizations.
2. LC networks as a success in capacity-building.
The authors’ experiences confi rm that national life cycle networks are key to successful capacity-building programs.
3. Insuffi cient number of LCA professionals in the country.
The number of LCA professionals in all countries is low in relation to the size of
the population.
4. Gender distribution.
This indicator has not been suffi ciently researched in the LCSM fi eld. However,
the respective fi ndings of the current study are encouraging. In general, the
higher the percentage of women, the better the score concerning the status of
mainstreaming conditions. Only in two countries, Argentina and Thailand, did
women represent the majority.
S. Valdivia et al.
Since LCSM needs life cycle information, the availability of reliable data is also
important. Due to the enormous amount of data needed to perform an LCA study,
capacity-building regarding data development and database management can be
also of interest. In this sense, a training kit has been developed, based on the Global
Guidance for LCA Databases (UNEP/SETAC 2011 ). Data, however, are not enough
for understanding data formation; impact assessment models and further training on
the review of the LCA of products are highly recommended to be able to interpret
the results.
The improved understanding of impact assessment models and frameworks
facilitates the interpretation of results and their use in design choices (eco-design),
sustainable consumption (sustainable procurement), strategic planning in business
and LCA in policies. Further skills and abilities are necessary for communicating
sustainability performance, aiming at disseminating best practices and improvements while avoiding greenwashing.
The choice of the training path and whether or not a topic is considered in a
capacity-building program depends on the needs of the audience and on country and
company priorities. No matter the choice, the continual improvement of capacities
should remain a focus.
4 Conclusions, Recommendations and Outlook
4.1 Conclusions and Recommendations
1. General progress since 2002.
Countries have advanced since 2002, when none of them counted on a life cycle
network or a LCA database (UNEP/SETAC 2015b ). The authors recommend
reinforcing the trend in the countries analyzed with continual capacity- building
programs, fi nancial support and technical assistance endorsed by national and
local governments and facilitated by agencies for international co- operation and
inter-governmental organizations.
2. LC networks as a success in capacity-building.
The authors’ experiences confi rm that national life cycle networks are key to successful capacity-building programs.
3. Insuffi cient number of LCA professionals in the country.
The number of LCA professionals in all countries is low in relation to the size of
the population.
4. Gender distribution.
This indicator has not been suffi ciently researched in the LCSM fi eld. However,
the respective fi ndings of the current study are encouraging. In general, the
higher the percentage of women, the better the score concerning the status of
mainstreaming conditions. Only in two countries, Argentina and Thailand, did
women represent the majority.
S. Valdivia et al.