Building an ILCD/EcoSPOLD2–compliant data-reporting template with application to Canadian agri-food LCI data

Food systems are key drivers of environmental impacts, which may be assessed using life cycle assessment (LCA). Canadian agri-food LCA research has been limited by the unavailability of common life cycle inventory (LCI) data resources characterizing processes in Canadian-specific supply chains. We address this issue through identification and evaluation of publicly available Canadian agri-food LCI data for possible inclusion in the forthcoming Canadian Agri-food Life-Cycle Data Centre (CALDC).

A data-reporting template was developed based on comparison of the ILCD and ecoSpold2 data-reporting formats, which contains all fields required for minimum compliance with both formats. Canadian agri-food-related practitioners at academic, government and industry organizations were then identified via web and literature searches, along with associated, publicly available resources containing Canadian agri-food LCI data tables. These data sets were classified by process type and geography, and then screened on the basis of their reported metadata against the identified reporting template to determine which data sets are currently reported in sufficient detail to warrant inclusion in the CALDC. This screening focused, in particular on metadata, and the identification of potential areas of improvement in metadata reporting.

The identified data-reporting template contained 65 mandatory fields for LCI data, 58 of which related to metadata. Identification of available Canadian agri-food LCI data sets indicated a high degree of coverage in the field crop sector, and the need for significant further development with respect to data in the livestock, poultry, dairy, and agricultural support sectors. Screening of the data sets against the reporting template indicated that none of the identified data sets are currently reported in sufficient detail to warrant inclusion in the CALDC. In order to enable their inclusion, metadata reporting needs to improve in several areas—in particular, with respect to reporting of the percentage of supply represented by the data sets, and information regarding critical review of the data sets.

Comparison of ILCD and ecoSpold2 reporting formats yielded a data-reporting template, the use of which ensures compliance with both formats. Provision of this template will help facilitate interoperability between LCI databases and LCA software across all sectors. Application to publicly available Canadian agri-food sector data indicated that the scope of available LCI data sets in Canada must increase in coverage, quantity, and metadata reporting completeness in order to adequately support agri-food LCA modelling activities and associated sustainability initiatives.