AI in LCA: Innovations, Applications, and Challenges

We are happy to have joined the 92nd Discussion Forum on LCA: “AI in LCA: Innovations, Applications, and Challenges”. Niels Jungbluth presented our experiences at the 92nd LCA Discussion Forum under the title “AI in LCA Consulting Practice” (26.2.2026)
AI in LCA: Innovations, Applications, and Challenges
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming science, business, and sustainability assessment. In the field of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), AI promises faster data generation, improved model quality, and advanced predictive capabilities — but also raises new questions about transparency, bias, and reproducibility. This LCA Forum will explore how machine learning, natural language processing (NLP), and large language models (LLMs) are reshaping LCA research and practice. We will discuss emerging applications, methodological challenges, data quality and its control and ethical considerations. We finally aim at outlining a roadmap for integrating AI into mainstream LCA workflows.
The presentations explore the role of AI within LCA, covering multiple aspects of LCI, LCIA, reporting, and review processes. They will also provide insights into its application in the field of Social Life Cycle Assessment. A significant amount of time is dedicated to discussions, and we will have a breakout group session to synthesize the knowledge and identify challenges and opportunities in this highly dynamic area at the end of the forum.
AI in LCA Consulting Practice: Opportunities, Practical Applications and Risks
At the 92nd Discussion Forum on LCA in Zurich (26 February 2026), ESU-services presented how artificial intelligence is transforming Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) consulting in practice. With more than 25 years of experience, ESU-services integrates AI tools in its daily work to enhance efficiency while fully upholding scientific quality and transparency.
How AI Supports our LCA Consulting Work
1. LCI Modelling & Data Handling
AI enables faster and more reliable processing of background information:
- Automated extraction of material and energy data from documents
- Multilingual search and translation
- Detection of data gaps
- Intelligent matching of processes and elementary flows across nomenclatures

2. LCIA & Interpretation
AI helps identify hotspots early, supports sensitivity checks, and prioritizes data collection. Large language models accelerate the creation of reports, summaries, and stakeholder communication.
3. Review, Verification & Quality Control
AI speeds up internal checks, benchmarking and pre‑reviews, including support for EPD verification and ISO‑compliant review processes.
4. Everyday Office Efficiency
Beyond LCA, AI assists in contract preparation, legal understanding, IT setup, programming macros, and writing clear, professional emails.
Benefits of AI Observed Today in LCA consulting
- Smarter search and benchmarking capabilities
- Faster document checks and legal clarifications
- Improved matching of datasets and flows
- Efficient coding and IT support
- Higher-quality communication
Current Limitations in AI application
Despite its potential, AI is no replacement for expert judgement. Challenges include:
- Missing information on undocumented processes
- Risk of incorrect or misleading text (hallucination)
- Need for more careful and time-taking review and control of AI outputs
- Generic or imprecise wording
- Rapidly evolving tools complicating long-term planning
- Overload for beginners due to complexity
Our Internal AI Guidelines
To maintain scientific integrity, ESU-services follows strict principles when using AI:
Human-in-the-loop: expert validation remains essential; AI serves as a tool, not a decision-maker
Safeguards: clear separation between tasks AI may support and tasks reserved for human experts
Transparency: full documentation of AI-assisted steps
Reproducibility: traceable references and stored prompts
Presentation download
Niels Jungbluth, Angelo Stefanel, Christoph Meili, Maresa Bussa, Martin Ulrich (2026) AI in LCA Consulting Practice: Opportunities, Practical Applications and Risks. Presentation for the 92nd Discussion Forum on LCA: “AI in LCA: Innovations, Applications, and Challenges” Thursday, 26th of February 2026, Zurich, Switzerland