Review schemes and reviewers’ selection criteria for the Life Cycle Data Network abstract MO236

A review framework and coherent review schemes are fundamental for increasing validity and comparability of reviews, lower the efforts and costs for review, and support higher acceptance of LCA. The International Reference Life Cycle Data System (ILCD) Handbook provides detailed guidance on consistent and quality-assured LCA and LCI, as well as rules for reviewer’s eligibility criteria. A simplified set of entry level (EL) requirements for LCI data to be hosted in the Life Cycle Data Network (LCDN) was released in 2012, and the Environmental Footprint (PEF/OEF) scheme is adding further compliance rules. The aim of this paper is to define the eligibility rules for reviewers, in the different schemes. At global scale, in 2011 the in the framework of the UNEP/SETAC life cycle initiative, was released the “Global Guidance Principles (GGP) for Life Cycle Assessment Databases” The document provides also details on review that were futher expanded within the UNEP umbrella. The Reviewer Registry, which is part of the Resource Directory of the EPLCA http://eplca.jrc.ec.europa.eu/ResourceDirectory/ is hosting info about reviewers and reviewer teams, and is able to assess the eligibility 3 different schemes (ILCD, ILCD EL, and PEF/OEF), the tool can be expanded also for the GGP Scheme. The minimum requirements are calculated on the following parameters: years of experience in LCA methodology, practice, verification and audit; sectorial expertise (NACE main sector). Additional practice on LC based approaches, papers, methodological and data development, PhD or Master thesis related to LCI/LCA practice. Different schemes have different minimum score to be reached, in order to be eligible as independent or team member reviewer. For e.g. ILCD EL the minimum required experience to be an independent reviewer are: 2 years of experience in verification/audit, 2 reviews performed, 2 years of experience in LCA methodology and practice, participation in 4 LCI works, at least 2 years of sectorial experience either in public or private sector. The single reviewer is eligible as member of a reviewer team, if is fulfilling at least one of the above mentioned requirements. Different schemes are also defining the rules on the minimum number and the type of reviewers required (e.g. independent internal, independent external, or dependent internal reviewer). Those eligibility criteria are case-sensitive and therefore not implemented in the Reviewer Registry.

FAZIO Simone; 

2017-12-30

SETAC

JRC104025

2309-8031 (print),    2310-3043 (online),   

https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC104025,