Proposal to pursue development of methods for life cycle assessment (LCA) as an overall assessment from production to use and disposal as a means to substantially reduce CO2 emissions.
24. The representative of Japan introduced GRPE-84-05-Rev.1, submitted by Japan and Korea, proposing to introduce Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of vehicles into the GRPE list of priorities. The representative of the Russian Federation acknowledged the proposal from Japan and Korea and added that this important topic should be looking at the impact of different technologies on greenhouse gas emissions, and also natural resources and economic expansion. He added that the Russian Federation has more than 15 years’ experience on the topic of LCA of vehicles and the Russian Federation would be happy to participate in such activities if GRPE decided to add this topic to its priority. The representative of Sweden also supported the proposal.
25. The representative of the US recognized the importance of LCA in the activities of GRPE, and highlighted that there might be similarities with the IWG on EVE activity on a “method for stating energy consumption” where the EVE group was faced with a scope going beyond the expertise and capabilities of their members. He asked for some measures to be taken before the LCA activity start, to make sure that the relevant experts would be involved in the activity. The Chair agreed with the need to widen the expertise present in GRPE to be able to tackle this subject in a relevant manner.
26. The representative from the European Commission (EC) required some time for an internal consultation with other services from the EC, informing GRPE that LCA was outside of the remit of experts from the EC attending GRPE. He therefore required to revisit this topic in the next session of GRPE in January 2022.
27. The secretariat informed GRPE about the recent interest from the latest Commission session on the topic of circularity and circular economy and welcomed activities related to this topic.
28. The Chair proposed to include this topic in the list of GRPE priorities given the support provided. The representative of the EC suggested to include the topic in square brackets. GRPE agreed to this proposal and to revisit the topic in forthcoming sessions of GRPE. The representative of OICA supported the initiative and to participate in future activities on the topic.