IO and Hybrid Life Cycle Assessment

This 2.5 day course gives a thorough background for understanding both monetary and physical input-output (IO)  models, and how the quality of an IO-table depends on the way it is made. The course gives an introduction to the most advanced and detailed hybrid IO-database: BONSAI version – and how it is used for Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies or economy wide analyses.

The course

Subject:

Beginning with the basic construction of IO models from national statistics, the course progressively introduces the latest developments in physical IO modelling — including supply-use tables, environmentally extended IO models, multi-layer frameworks, global models, and trade linking.

The advantages and disadvantages of IO data versus process-based LCA data are examined in depth. Lectures then address how to integrate the two approaches through hybrid modelling, covering both tiered and embedded methods, to leverage the strengths of each.

Finally, the newly developed BONSAI database, which embodies many of the concepts introduced throughout the course, will be presented and used in practical exercises.

Course outline (lectures and exercises on):

  • The basic math of LCA-modelling and parallels between input-output modelling and process-based modelling. Monetary balancing and life cycle costing.
  • Monetary supply and use tables and how they are constructed from raw data. Time series and currency conversion. How to handle and model basic prices and purchaser’s prices. Valuation tables and markets.
  • Multi-layer Input-Output framework and hybrid tables.
  • Integrating final consumption into the core supply-use table.
  • Integrating fixed capital formation and use into the core supply-use table.
  • Different technology models for creating IO-models – and their pros and cons. Consequential and attributional modelling in the IO-framework.
  • Tiered and embedded approaches for hybridization: Combining external data sources with the IO framework. Reducing uncertainty in LCA.
  • Disaggregating/detailing supply-use tables and IO models.
  • Dealing with imports and exports. Closed-country models versus trade-linking of IO tables for different countries/regions, i.e. creating multi-regional IO models. Attributional and consequential trade-linking.
  • Databases: Differences within and across IO and LCI databases. Description of BONSAI, with environmental, social, and economic extensions.
  • Modelling of waste treatment and by-product utilization in the supply-use framework. Implementation of scenarios analyses.
  • Different activity and product classifications and how data are converted between them.
  • Applying fixed or flexible activity detail across countries/regions. Advantages and challenges.
  • Examples of using disaggregation in and from more detailed Supply-Use Tables.
  • Implementing indirect land use change in the supply-use framework.
  • Regional disaggregation.

Form and academic recognition:

Form: 12 hours lectures, 8 hours workshops/exercises.
Academic recognition: 1.5 ECTS points. This includes reading a mandatory list of literature.

Learning outcomes:

  • Ability to extract information from national accounts and input-output models. Understanding the limitations and ability to avoid pit-falls.
  • Understanding of the difference between different modelling approaches and their implications for the results.
  • Ability to use existing input-output models for LCA purposes and IO economy-wide analysis, and to be critical towards the interpretation of the results.

Teaching staff

Jannick Schmidt, PhD & Stefano Merciai, PhD

Where?

Barcelona

When?

28-30th September 2026

Price

3000 euro for professionals / 1500 euro for university staff / 750 euro for students.

Half price for second and following persons from the same institution in the same or lower cost categories.

Contact person and registration

For registration or if you require any further information or clarification, please contact us by email at info@ilca.es

Registration deadline

July 31st 2026