Objective Finding ways to implement biodiversity metrics in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is an increasingly important topic that has not yet been satisfactorily addressed. Product LCA is on the rise, as shown by recent initiatives such as the labeling experiment promoted by the French government. However, limitations in the LCA methodology have thus far restricted the calculation of LCA indicators mostly to a subset of non-biological indicators. Biodiversity and ecosystem services are either left outside the scope of most LCA studies or questionably calculated.The present project Bio-LCA: Introducing biodiversity in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) intends to majorly contribute to solving the issue of making LCA and biodiversity compatible. The project will consist on the inclusion of important drivers of biodiversity change, such as resource overexploitation and introduction of invasive species, as indicators in the LCA framework. These indicators will be introduced at the midpoint level (as direct results of processes or emissions), and their aggregation in a single endpoint biodiversity indicator will be determined. A standardized impact assessment methodology for biodiversity using LCA will be configured and made accessible to researchers and for environmental metrics tools to use. This methodology will take into consideration the need to introduce accurate measures of biodiversity, but will also strive for simplicity so that the use of the new metrics can be put in place by a wide range of users, in line with the European Union’s Integrated Product Policy and the undergoing work on a European LCA product-level standard.This two-year project combines the experience in LCA of the researcher with the expertise in biodiversity studies by the host in a multidisciplinary, multi-sectorial effort. Fields of science natural sciencesbiological sciencesecologyecosystemsnatural sciencesbiological sciencesecologyinvasive species Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2012-IEF - Marie-Curie Action: "Intra-European fellowships for career development" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2012-IEF See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-IEF - Intra-European Fellowships (IEF) Coordinator UNIVERSITEIT ANTWERPEN EU contribution € 169 800,00 Address Prinsstraat 13 2000 Antwerpen Belgium See on map Region Vlaams Gewest Prov. Antwerpen Arr. Antwerpen Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Anne Adams (Mrs.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data