On Friday 31 October, 2025, an introductory course on the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology for the staff was held in the Castigliano lecture hall at Politecnico di Milano.
The training was organized by Polimi LCA Network in collaboration with ARUO/HR & Organizational Development Division and AGIS/Supplies & Facility Management Division.

A theoretical session (presented by Lucia Rigamonti) was followed by a practical group activity (coordinated by Elisa Amodeo and Roberto Rocca), during which the participants enthusiastically and actively collaborated to identify the various phases of a product’s life cycle, the natural resources used, and to quantify potential impacts.

The Polimi LCA Network was established by initiative of the DICA (Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering) AWARE (Assessment on Waste and Resources) research group and was officially presented on 13/11/2024 at the Politecnico’s Aula Magna. The network consists of researchers and professors who adopt the LCA methodology in various areas. Coordinated by Prof. Lucia Rigamonti, the network consists of 16 research groups from 8 Politecnico Department (DABC, DCMC, DDESIGN, DEIB, DICA, DENG, DIG and DMEC).

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a methodology developed to evaluate the potential environmental impacts and resources used throughout the entire life cycle of a product or process. LCA is inspired by the concept of Life Cycle Thinking (LCT): from the extraction and processing of raw materials to manufacturing, transportation, distribution, use, reuse, recycling, and final disposal (as required by ISO 14040).

LCA is widely recognized as a key decision-making tool for implementing interventions and policies aimed at a sustainable development, across environmental, social, and economic dimensions.

Therefore, LCA represents an opportunity to guide the various decisions faced by Politecnico and, in particular, by the Supplies & Facility Management Division. Thanks to the multidisciplinary approach promoted by the network, exchanges of expertise and collaborations between different Departments and Administrative Areas are encouraged. The Politecnico’s staff active involvement represents a key factor to spread a culture of sustainability and promote a concrete change in the University’s daily tasks.

Some examples? What is the overall impact of organizing an event? How can it be measured? What is the impact of cleaning services, in relation to the products and methods used? Is it better to use paper towels or an electric hand dryer? Which printing technology should be chosen: laser or inkjet?
These are just a few examples that illustrate the role the LCA methodology can play in supporting the Politecnico’s decisions.

Programme

The presentation is available here.