The ICRC, in collaboration with the CAA (Climate Action Accelerator) and EPFL (Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne), has launched a project to develop tailored methodologies and conduct Life Cycle Analyses (LCAs) for high-impact items used in the humanitarian sector. The aim is twofold: to create a greenhouse gas (GHG) emission factor and environmental impact database specific to humanitarian operations, and to identify key strategies for reducing environmental impact. Below is the list of items analyzed.  Next to each item, you can find a summary of the LCA, the complete LCA results and a technical appendix with more details:

  1. Mattresses (Summary I  LCA results I  Technical appendix)
  2. Soap bars  (Summary I  LCA results I  Technical appendix)
  3. High thermal blankets (Summary I  LCA results I  Technical appendix)
  4. Jerrycans – 20L foldable (Summary I  LCA results I  Technical appendix)
  5. Plastic buckets – Oxfam variant (Summary I  LCA results I  Technical appendix)
  6. Plastic floor mats – sleeping mats (Summary I  LCA results I  Technical appendix)
  7. Mosquito nets (Summary I  LCA results I  Technical appendix)
  8. Solar lamps* (Summary I  LCA results I  Technical appendix)
  9. Hygiene kits (Summary I  LCA results I  Technical appendix)
  10. Hygienic pad (Summary I  LCA results I  Technical appendix)
  11. Face masks* (Summary I  LCA results I  Technical appendix)
  12. Coveralls (Summary I  LCA results I  Technical appendix)
  13. Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF)*  (Summary I  LCA results I  Technical appendix)

*Items based on existing LCAs, reviewed and adapted to our context.

The LCAs were conducted by the EPFL and CAA, with input from an expert advisory group. The analysis includes clear conclusions for each item. Here is a brief summary of the key findings:

• Durability: Extending the lifespan of products can significantly reduce both environmental and human impacts.
• Recycled materials: Using recycled plastics can reduce impact, but only if the durability remains unchanged.
• Renewable energy: Its use in production has a significant impact, particularly for plastic-based products or textiles, manufactured in countries with a carbon-intensive electricity grid.
• Sustainable design: Producing more sustainable items could reduce costs, as it generally involves using fewer materials, which also reduces production and transportation needs.
• Transport and packaging: Sea and road transport have low impact compared to air. Packaging contributes little to emissions but poses higher risk of local pollution risks.
• Actionable change: While not all LCA recommendations are immediately feasible, there’s clear potential for meaningful, practical improvements.