The push and pull of policy on life cycle assessment of low-carbon systems

Abstract

This perspective article explores the evolving challenges of conducting Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) of low-carbon systems, to meet the requirements of emerging policy frameworks, such as the United States (U.S.) Inflation Reduction Act and the European Union (EU) Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. It emphasizes the need for LCA methodologies to incorporate temporality, regionality, and incrementality considerations to more accurately reflect real-world greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and policy needs. The implications of these factors are discussed through illustrative examples for renewable energy, biofuels, plastics recycling, and carbon offsetting projects, while highlighting the challenge of designing flexible policies that support emerging technologies which may initially exhibit higher carbon footprints, but offer the potential for long-term emission reductions.