68. The Vice-Chair introduced GRPE-86-41 as his main takeaways from the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) workshop that took place earlier during the week. The representative from Japan introduced GRPE-86-17, the representative from the Russian Federation introduced GRPE-86-19, the representative from the US introduced GRPE-86-40 and the representative from CLEPA introduced GRPE-86-38 on their respective positions with respect to the inclusion of LCA in GRPE activities and the creation of a dedicated IWG to work on the topic.

69. The representative from the European Commission supported the creation of an IWG on LCA, highlighting that the conditions are not yet met to plan to deliver on a UN GTR. Finalization of ToRs, scope and timing of the activities would be considered during the first meeting of the IWG on LCA and introduced for adoption during the next session of GRPE.

70. The representative from the UK supported LCA to be considered by GRPE and to initiate an IWG on the topic. He highlighted the need to have a clear view on the aims, targets and objectives of the IWG. He also was not supportive of any regulatory deliverables at this stage, and that a mutual resolution, for example, could be drafted once a complete LCA picture has been finalized. He concluded that new expertise from outside of GRPE would be needed.

71. The representative from Sweden thanked Japan and the Republic of Korea for the initiative and supported the creation of a dedicated IWG. He also shared his view that regulatory provisions should not be aimed in a first step, and that the IWG should initially focus on information sharing and deliver a resolution.

72. The representative from Switzerland also supported the initiative as an essential activity for GRPE and showed his willingness to be involved. He also stressed on the importance of looking at air quality, water and soil LCA impacts on top of GHG which is the primary target of the IWG on LCA.

73. The Chair indicated that the draft ToRs, as shown in GRPE-86-18-Rev.1, would be discussed during the first meeting of the IWG on LCA and the next session of GRPE.

74. GRPE agreed to create a new IWG on LCA and to include LCA in the GRPE list of priorities.

75. The representative from Japan indicated that Japan would be happy to host the first IWG meeting expected in October 2022, thought a hybrid meeting configuration, with the support of the secretariat. He indicated the draft ToR would be discussed during the meeting. The secretariat offered its support to organize the first meeting of the IWG on LCA.

97. The Chair of the IWG on A-LCA introduced GRPE-89-34. The representative of the US supported the sub-group and level approaches considered. He reminded the US position explained in GRPE-86-38, requesting to avoid publishing interim results. He raised concerns about potential misinterpretation in case of publication of interim results. He also agreed to review the level approach and provide feedback.

98. The Chair of the IWG on A-LCA confirmed at forthcoming meeting expected on 10 July 2023 to review a complete image of the levelling concepts of each sub-group. He also informed about nomination process to participate to sub-groups, leaving the door opened for more participants to join.

99. The representative of the US trusted the A-LCA leadership to address the US requests.

100. The Chair highlighted the importance to also raise important messages to GRPE in this new topic tackled by GRPE.

101. The representative of CLEPA confirmed a phased approach to publish results might be appropriate in order to accommodate the US concerns, to make progress is made even though the full lifecycle is not complete, for example through a cradle-to-gate approach, where a strong need had already been identified.

102. The representative of the US also requested to pay close attention to the robustness and quality of the data that would feed the methodology for the different levels, which was likely to drive the timing.

103. The Chair requested further information on the participants of the subgroups, and how to make sure the right stakeholders are involved in the most relevant activities.

104. The Chair of the IWG on A-LCA explained the list of participants of subgroups is managed by the IWG on A-LCA, and noted a balanced participation for the time being, and invited subgroups to process new invitations via the IWG on A-LCA leading team if and when additional expertise would be needed.

105. The secretary of the IWG on A-LCA mentioned he would be open to get advice from GRPE on stakeholder engagement in the various subgroups.