Work Plan

There are two main phases to the work program: (1) outreach and gathering of meta-information about the widest possible set of available LCI databases; and (2) creating the registry. For a database to be listed in the Registry, the data providers will need to successfully complete a simple questionnaire documenting a set of key database characteristics, which will be developed during the work of the TF. The high visibility and non-automatic status of inclusion in the Registry should motivate data-providing organizations to freely and proactively keep UNEP informed of database development and updates.

The work by this task force will also build upon and integrate results from other projects including the German LCA project and the US EPA’s LCAccess website.

The work will be undertaken through the following steps:

Step 1: Survey of LCI databases (update draft survey document to include industry sector databases, commercial/proprietary databases as long as they are available to potential users; and also I/O-based LCA databases) * Web-search, and outreach to database developers * Follow up with respondents from outreach and identify key contacts within database projects * Update / expand summary report

Step 2: Determine “key” database characteristics for database overview matrix * Review work to date and liase with TF2. * Create draft set of characteristics and invite feedback from working group and from other TFs (especially TF 2) * Review draft set / incorporate feedback

Step 3: Summary report of LCI databases and their key characteristics * Create and circulate simple information query to all parties identified in step 1. * Compile and check validity of information on databases received (data availability, contact information etc.) * Locate each available database within the matrix of database characteristics. * Compile draft report and invite feedback on database overview matrix and overall report. * Review feedback / update report.

Step 4: Web-site plan of implementation * Draft a plan for updating and maintaining the document and registry (including strategy, parties responsible, budget etc.) * Invite feedback on maintenance plan

Step 5: Create Database Registry * Upload summary report and database overview matrix onto web-site. * Check information content / operability of web-portal * Advertise registry/send out registry applications to all known providers of databases
* Finalize and implement plan for updating and maintaining the registry. * Check maintenance plan is working.