Working group 1: Data

Co-leads

Katy Armstrong (Unilever) and Marcus Henry (JLR)

Researchers

Ben Lowe (University of Sheffield)

Membership

9 members

Integrating Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) into regulatory decision-making in the UK will require robust data strategies. The Data Working Group will explore key challenges such as data availability, transparency, comparability, and quality, and will provide recommendations to DESNZ. We recognise that these issues can’t be fully resolved in 12 months—but we can take meaningful steps in the right direction.

Key questions

  • How does the use of default data when specific data is unavailable impact confidence in LCA results? Where is good quality default data lacking?
  • How should new data be incorporated into regulatory science LCA, and should specific guidance be made available for this process?
  • How could AI combined with life cycle thinking improve decision making, innovation and regulation to decarbonise industry?

Working Group 1: Data Resources

PDF Outputs

Working Group 1 & 3: Application of LCA Data and Methodology in Policy Making and Regulation: Cross-Cutting Challenges and Research Priorities

If LCA is to be further embraced in policy making and (pre) regulatory developments to promote improved environmental outcomes, then there are several challenges that exist regarding LCA data and methodology. This summary outlines the key challenges, explains the stakes for the UK, and identifies 4 priority areas for research and action.

Lead Authors Working Groups 1 & 3
2026 View PDF — Working Group 1 & 3: Application of LCA Data and Methodology in Policy Making and Regulation: Cross-Cutting Challenges and Research Priorities