Life cycle assessment (LCA) studies of forest products are complex and based on multiple methodological choices and assumptions, using a wide array of indicators and metrics, making them very difficult for non-experts to understand and interpret. NCASI LCA research has focused on creating a better understanding the life cycle attributes of specific forest products and the products against which they compete. Through this research, our Member Companies and their stakeholders have been able to have more informed discussions regarding the environmental aspects of forest products and the unique challenges that can arise when applying LCA in this context.
Dynamic modeling of GHG impacts considers the timing of GHG emissions and characterizes the warming impacts of these emissions over time. NCASI compared the application of dynamic modeling of GHG impacts to that of more traditional GWP100s to a number of scenarios of significant interest to the forest products industry.
Learn MoreNCASI convened a workshop of industry experts to discuss options for addressing the growing concern about the use of LCA to address land use.
Learn MoreNCASI provides guidance and tools to assist companies in performing allocations according to various methods.
Learn MoreThis NCASI white paper examines research on forest products-related avoided emissions in the context of existing calculating and reporting guidance.
Learn MoreInternational Journal of Life Cycle Assessment 12:1013-1026 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367-020-01765-1 Download full…
Learn MoreEnvironmental indicators used in LCA are discussed and evaluated in terms of their meaning, their level and sources of uncertainty, and their relevance to the forest sector.
Learn MoreNCASI staff prepared this fact sheet to demystify some of the most important choices that must be made by the authors of LCAs and to equip readers to interpret the results with some objectivity.
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