Measurement Science

Mission & Goals

The Measurement Sciences Working Group establishes scientific methodologies for Life Cycle Assessments for use by the different Sector Working Groups within The Sustainability Consortium. This group offers
a unique gathering place for the world’s top Life Cycle Analysis scientists and global business leaders to discuss and establish metrics and methodologies that measure the impacts of consumer products.

Scope

Launched in May of 2010, the group has a conglomerate of scientists, business leaders, and government officials acting as a “clearing house” for the basic science used by Sectors. The group provides guidance for the day-to-day work of the scientific staff of The Consortium, and also works globally to integrate the newest and best available science into the work of each Sector.

Research

The group focuses on research to enrich accessibility, understanding, and applicability of LCA in the Consumer Packaged Goods industry. Projects revolve around advancing the state of science and technology of LCA, and ensuring that the user community has robust methods, data, and tools for the integration of sustainable thinking into everyday business decisions. Measurement Sciences is committed to increasing the accuracy of LCA science for use in purchasing decisions.

White Papers

Social Sustainability Assessment Literature Review
Catherine Benoît, University of New Hampshire
Gina Vickery-Niederman, University of Arkansas
December 2010

Projects

Life Cycle Inventory Data Guidance

A panel of LCA experts presenting on several topics of interest including uses of LCI data, sources of data, and appropriate applications of methodologies. Intended to inform TSC sector working groups on various topics within Life Cycle Analysis, and to help drive consistency between the approaches taken by each sector in establishing SMRS.

Participants

  • Arizona State University
  • BASF
  • Bayer
  • Cargill
  • Clorox
  • Danisco
  • Henkel
  • Kimberly-Clark
  • Mars, inc.
  • Novozymes
  • PE Americas
  • PepsiCo, Inc.
  • Procter & Gamble
  • SAP
  • Seventh Generation
  • Syngenta
  • Tetra Pak
  • Unilever
  • Walmart

Working Group Contact

Stella Papasavva

Stella Papasavva PhD.

Working Group Manager

University of Arkansas

Send an Email

Quick Facts
  • (LCI) Life Cycle Inventory - LCA study that takes inventory analysis but does not consider environmental impacts.
  • (LCIA) Life Cycle Impact Assessment - Phase of LCA that considers classification, characterization and weighting to determine environmental impacts of product or service.
  • (LCA) Life Cycle Assessment - Method used to assess and quantify environmental impacts of products or services throughout their life cycle.
  • Cradle to Grave - LCA model that includes the whole product life cycle.
  • Cradle to Gate - LCA model that includes the upstream part of the product life cycle.