The Role of Life Cycle Inventory in New Zealand

Life Cycle Thinking has been a developing area within New Zealand. However, little was known about the practitioners and their approach to life cycle assessment, and more specifically, the inventory gathered for these assessments. This report sought to answer some of the questions about both capability and capacity within New Zealand.

The report was conducted primarily through interviews with leading practitioners. It created an impression of the status of LCT within the New Zealand economy. The scope of the report was widened to include impediments and opportunities for 'Life Cycle Thinking' in New Zealand.

A significant finding of the report included the critical importance of education within the LCT sector, MAF have subsequently funded the establishment of a professorship and centre for Life Cycle Management.  In another key finding MED have funded the establishment of the Life Cycle Association of New Zealand (LCANZ). Both of these outcomes will directly improve New Zealand's capability and capacity to deliver sustainable innovation in the future.

The Ministry of Economic Development and the Ministry of Research, Science and Technology commissioned this publication from authors Locus Research in 2008 to learn more about the activities of New Zealand Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) practitioners, the LCI approaches and methods in common use, and their key parameters. This report investigates the application of LCI in the New Zealand context to provide evidence about current activities, and to isolate potentially significant issues and opportunities, so that all parties can advance Eco Verification activity more effectively.