United Nations Environment Program Life Cycle

In 2005, a comprehensive comparison of LCIA toxicity characterization models was initiated by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and the Society for Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) in their life cycle initiative. The main objectives of this effort were to [9] (1) identify specific sources of differences between the models results and structure (2) detect the indispensable model components and (3) build a scientific consensus model from them, representing recommended practice. 

The United Nations Environment Program and the Society for the Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry provide a Web site with information on LCA including approaches for capability development, methodologies, data, resources, and impacts. The Life Cycle Initiative includes LCA publications and manual. The goal of the initiative is to enable people around the world to use LCA more frequently and efficiently. The Life Cycle Initiative can establish a global network of LCA experts to establish and manage best practices of LCA across multiple industries and product sectors (Life Cycle Initiative 2013). 

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