In this episode of The People's Planet Podcast, we welcome Campbell Skinner, a European expert in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) currently working at the BioComposite Center at Bangor University. With a background in business and sustainability, Campbell brings valuable insights into the intricacies of LCA and its pivotal role in sustainable business practices.

The discussion begins with an overview of LCA, a comprehensive method for measuring the environmental impact of products from raw material extraction through to disposal. Campbell explains that LCA is essential for understanding the "cradle to grave" footprint and highlights how this assessment fits into broader sustainability initiatives.

Campbell delves into the three pillars of sustainability—environmental, social, and economic—and underscores the growing importance of addressing social impacts alongside environmental ones. He introduces Social LCA, a newer methodology that evaluates social sustainability metrics such as worker rights, community impacts, and consumer protection.

The conversation also touches on the challenges businesses face when implementing LCA, including the costs and complexities involved, particularly for SMEs. Campbell emphasizes the benefits of conducting these assessments, such as identifying environmental hotspots, improving efficiency, and developing informed sustainability strategies.

A significant part of the discussion revolves around the development and importance of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), which provide verified, standardized LCA data to ensure transparency and combat greenwashing. Campbell notes that while the construction sector heavily uses EPDs, other sectors are gradually adopting them.

The podcast also explores the role of legislation versus market demand in driving sustainability. Campbell cites the effectiveness of initiatives like the plastic bag levy and highlights the potential impact of forthcoming EU and UK regulations mandating verifiable environmental claims.

As the conversation concludes, Campbell advises businesses to embrace LCA as a starting point for broader sustainability planning. He encourages companies to collect robust data, understand their environmental impacts, and develop comprehensive plans to reduce their footprints.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in sustainability, offering deep insights into LCA's role in creating a more sustainable future.

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Hosts:

⁠Marcelle Batson-Warner⁠

⁠Simon Morris⁠

⁠Dr Usman Sikander⁠