Free Webinar:

The Growing Body of Sustainable Healthcare Research: Insights from the HealthcareLCA Database

DATE: Thursday, August 21st, 2025

TIME: 1pm - 2pm EST

PRESENTERS:

Jono Drew and Daniel RainhamThe Centre for Planetary Health and Sustainable Care at Dalhousie University

Description:

National commitments for sustainable health systems are intensifying amidst an exponential growth in related research. Effectively synthesizing this evidence is critical for a successful, data-driven transition. This webinar delivers key insights from the HealthcareLCA database — a repository of over 300 studies and 8,000 impact estimates — to discuss key limitations of the current evidence base and consider avenues to improve the quality of future research.

About the Presenters

Jono Drew is a NZ-trained medical doctor who is currently undertaking doctoral studies at the Centre for Planetary Health & Sustainable Care at Dalhousie University, Canada. His research focusses on the environmental impacts of healthcare. He is a Vanier and Killam Scholar, and currently serves as a commissioner with the Lancet Commission on Sustainable Healthcare.

Daniel Rainham is Full Professor in the Health Promotion division in the Faculty of Health and holds cross-appointment in the Department of Community Health and Epidemiology. He is the Academic Director with the Centre for Planetary Health and Sustainable Care (sustainablecare.ca) and is an Affiliate Scientist with Nova Scotia Health. He has a PhD in Population Health Science from the University of Ottawa and leads research focused on associations between environmental conditions and human health behaviors and outcomes.

Learn more about this and additional free Webinars

New Publication: Exploring Integrated Circuit Reuse in Electronic Waste Management

The rapid advancement of digital infrastructure has brought with it a corresponding increase in the consumption and disposal of electronic components. Among these, integrated circuits (ICs) represent a significant environmental challenge due to their ubiquity, complexity, and the resource-intensive processes required for their manufacture. As the volume of discarded electronics continues to grow, the industry is compelled to consider more sustainable approaches to end-of-life (EOL) management.

In collaboration with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), our team has published the first in a two-part series examining the implications and opportunities surrounding IC reuse.

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From Data to Decisions to Communications: The Essential Role of Critical Reviews in LCA

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a rigorous scientific method used to evaluate the environmental impacts associated with products, services, and systems across their entire life cycle. Given its complexity and the influence it can have on decision-making in industry and policy, transparency and methodological robustness are essential. One mechanism to ensure both is the critical review

What is a Critical Review?

A critical review is an independent, third-party evaluation of an LCA study. Its purpose is to verify that the study has been conducted in accordance with internationally recognized standards and that its conclusions are consistent with the data and methods employed. Unlike internal reviews or quality checks performed by the study team itself, a critical review requires the involvement of external experts who are not directly tied to the study’s outcomes.

In practice, a critical review provides assurance that the study is scientifically sound, methodologically consistent, and transparent enough to be understood and reproduced by others.

ISO Standards Governing Critical Reviews

Critical reviews are formally addressed in the ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 standards—the globally recognized frameworks for conducting LCA. According to ISO 14044:2006, a critical review is mandatory in two main circumstances:

1. When an LCA is intended to be disclosed to the public in a comparative context (e.g., comparing the environmental performance of two products and communicating that one is environmentally preferable).
2. When the results of an LCA are used to support claims that may influence external stakeholders, such as regulatory bodies, investors, or consumers.

The standard outlines the responsibilities of the review panel (or single reviewer), including assessing whether:

• The methods used to conduct the LCA are consistent with ISO requirements.
• The methods and data are scientifically and technically valid.
• Interpretations reflect the data and limitations of the study.
• The study is transparent and provides sufficient detail to be understood by its intended audience.

ISO 14071 is the international standard for critical review processes and reviewer competencies in life cycle assessment (LCA). It provides additional requirements and guidance to ISO 14040 and ISO 14044, specifying how to conduct a critical review of any type of LCA study and the competencies required for the review. The ISO 14071 standard offers organizations detailed guidance on implementing effective critical review processes for LCA studies, ensuring consistency, transparency, efficiency, and credibility.

Why Critical Reviews Are Important

Ensuring Scientific Credibility

LCA studies involve numerous methodological choices, from defining system boundaries to selecting impact assessment methods. These choices can significantly affect results. A critical review provides an independent check, ensuring that such choices are scientifically justified and clearly communicated.

Supporting Transparent Decision-Making

Organizations increasingly use LCA results to inform product design, sustainability strategies, and policy advocacy. Without a critical review, stakeholders may question whether results were biased or tailored to produce favorable outcomes.

Enhancing Comparability and Trust

Comparative assertions are particularly sensitive. A reviewed LCA ensures that comparisons are meaningful and not misleading due to inconsistent assumptions or selective data use.

Strengthening Stakeholder Confidence

Critical reviews bolster confidence among regulators, investors, and customers. By demonstrating adherence to ISO standards, organizations show that they are committed to credible, science-based sustainability reporting rather than marketing-driven claims.

Strengthening Communication with Stakeholders

Critical reviews play a crucial role in making LCA results communicable to external audiences. The process ensures that the study is not only technically robust but also presented in a way that is transparent, defensible, and understandable to its intended audience. Proper communication avoids the risks of greenwashing and greenhushing.

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Upcoming Online Training

Social Impact Assessment, Sustainability ROI

September 10-11, 2025

Introduction to LCA

October 8-9, 2025

Advanced Life Cycle Assessment: Interpretation

November 5-6, 2025

Learn More about these and other courses and Register