This document is also available with tracked changes.

Proposal from the Informal Working Group on Automotive Life Cycle Assessment to establish a resolution with recommendations for use by Contracting Parties to the 1958 and 1998 Agreements and others when assessing the CO₂ emissions over the life cycle of motor vehicles.

The Level Concept distinguishes four levels of life cycle assessment for passenger cars based on intended use and data granularity. Level 1 uses generic data for strategy and research; Level 2 combines specific and generic data for product development; Level 3 uses primary data for specific vehicle models in official reporting; Level 4 uses primary data across entire supply chains. Levels 3 and 4 follow fixed methodologies ensuring comparability, while Levels 1 and 2 permit multiple methodology combinations.

This document proposes to establish an internationally harmonized methodology for assessing greenhouse gas emissions covering four life cycle stages: material production, parts production and vehicle assembly, use phase, and end-of-life treatment. The methodology employs a four-level framework corresponding to different data availability and analytical complexity, from generic research-level assessments to detailed company-specific reporting. It specifies requirements for data collection, energy modeling, allocation procedures, and recycling calculations, using metrics based on IPCC standards. The resolution document would provide non-binding guidance for manufacturers, suppliers, and authorities conducting vehicle carbon footprint studies.

Hotspot definition consideration as related to estimation of different emission sources (how emissions are estimated vs. cutoff criteria if certain emission sources are included).

Consolidated proposals from Japan and CLEPA.