Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a widely used method across companies and research institutions to assess potential environmental impacts. However, the inventory data that is used and the applied modelling choices often vary significantly between practitioners since the current LCA standards are rather flexible. This lack of alignment on core aspects of the assessments hinders fair comparisons unless significant work is done by experts to reach a consistent framework.
To address this challenge, Empa is developing a platform called ELSC (Empa LCA Support Center). The platform aims to support users with limited LCA knowledge to inform the key modelling choices and to identify dataset that are compatible with relevant LCA standards and their sector specific rules, helping them navigate the complex regulatory and methodological landscape of LCA in a more consistent and transparent way.
Thesis goal:
The goal of the thesis is to support the creation of a shared ontology and a knowledge graph that connects LCA inventory data and standards (especially related to impact assessment methods).
This includes:
- Mapping and comparing core concepts of relevant LCA standards (e.g., ISO, ILCD) and related databases (e.g. ecoinvent, ELCD/PEF)
- Identifying common and divergent elements between them
- Creating a taxonomy and glossary related to these key concepts
Building the foundations of a machine-readable ontology to support reasoning and querying over this knowledge
Your tasks:
In close collaboration with other researchers of Empa:
- Review and analyze key LCA-related standards, frameworks and data formats
- Develop a common glossary of terms and definitions across these standards
- Design a taxonomy that captures structure, relations, and rules
- Contribute to the development of a knowledge graph
- Help translate the concepts into formal ontology languages (e.g., OWL/RDF)
Requirements:
- Enrolled in a Master’s program in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field
- Strong interest in ontologies, semantic technologies, and knowledge representation
- Experience with OWL, RDF, and ontology tools (e.g., Protégé)
- Curiosity about environmental sciences or Life Cycle Assessment is a strong plus
- Good communication skills and fluency in English
- Team-oriented, proactive, and open to remote collaboration
This master project is carried out in collaboration with EMPA in Switzerland. EMPA – the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology – is a world-leading research institute dedicated to cutting-edge research and innovation in the fields of materials science, environmental sciences, energy, and sustainable technologies. With its strong focus on bridging fundamental research and practical applications, EMPA plays a key role in advancing sustainable solutions for industry and society.
This project can be partly conducted at EMPA’s site in Switzerland. During the stay, EMPA will provide housing for the student and offer a small allowance.