Policy shaping
Life cycle assessment (LCA) and the broader circular economy principle are gaining prominence as critical legislative trends in the global effort to foster sustainability and mitigate environmental impact. AECC considers both aspects are to be addressed when shaping EU policy.
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a systematic methodology used to assess the environmental impacts of a product or service from its inception to its disposal. LCA provides valuable insights into the areas that contribute most significantly to environmental burdens, enabling informed decision-making to reduce those impacts.
In the context of road vehicles, specifically, life cycle assessment for CO2 emissions has become a focal area of regulatory interest.
As governments and organisations strive to meet climate targets, analysing the entire life cycle of a vehicle should be the basis for policy shaping, rather than the tailpipe-only considerations currently in place. Harmonisation of methods is currently under consideration by both European Commission and UNECE.
Circular Economy complements the goals of LCA by promoting a model of production and consumption that emphasises longevity, reuse, and resource efficiency.
In a circular economy, the focus is on minimising waste and maximising the value extracted from resources. Legislative trends are emerging that encourage companies to design products that can be easily recycled or repurposed, thus reducing environmental footprints.