Life Cycle Assessments and Chain of Custody models expert

Life Cycle Assessments and Chain of Custody models

ECOS is looking for experts in the field of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Chain of Custody (CoC) Models to represent and defend environmental interests in the development of standards and related policies. Our experts provide us with technical and scientific input and represent ECOS in standardisation processes and multi-stakeholder discussions.

Application deadline: 28 February 2025

LCA methods are key tools to assess the environmental impact of products. They can guide companies in improving their production processes and value chain management practices to minimize the environmental footprint of their products. LCAs can also generate useful environmental information to end-users such as procurers, consumers, public authorities for reporting purposes. However, an LCA study is only as reliable as the methodology and data used to conduct it.

In many sectors, the complexity of value chains makes CoC models central for generating environmental information. Yet, not all CoC models are appropriate for use in LCAs, as some can incentivise the underreporting of environmental impacts and lead to misleading environmental claims.

The International Organization for Standardisation (ISO) is launching the draft of a new standard, ISO 14077 – Requirements and guidelines for application of Chain of Custody approaches in Life Cycle Assessment. This new standard could have wide-ranging consequences for the way environmental impacts of products are calculated and communicated, as it could facilitate the use of market-based tools – such as credits methods and commodity certificates – that risk undermining the reliability and accuracy of LCAs.

We are looking for an expert in LCAs and CoC models to represent ECOS in the drafting of ISO 14077. Interested candidates should be able to demonstrate in-depth technical and scientific knowledge on:

• Life-cycle assessment (notably ISO 1400-14044 series. EU Product Environmental Footprint also considered an asset).
• Chain of custody models (ISO 22095) and their use in LCA.

In addition to technical expertise, candidates should be capable of producing evidence-based recommendations in a compelling manner, with the ability to persuade others, build consensus, and form alliances with key stakeholders.

The nominated experts will:

• Participate in technical ISO meetings (online and/or in person TBD) to present and defend ECOS position:
• Prepare technical input through official comments and contribution to ECOS position papers.
• Report to and liaise with the responsible ECOS Programme Manager.
• Exchange information with ECOS member organisations and other experts when needed.

Interested candidates should be available to participate in meetings in May/June and November 2025.