Year 2026
The second edition of the seminar series "Lights, Camera, Action!" (14/07/2026), organized by the Junior Researchers working group, was dedicated to the LCA advancements and research studies conducted by PhD students from the Polimi LCA Network. The presentations covered key topics including bioplastics in the textile sector, design and sustainability for yachts, and alternative materials for thermal insulation.
With approximately 35 participants attending both in person and online, the event confirmed a real interest in these research areas.
Download the materials here:
https://mega.nz/folder/3l5AAC5I#AwN1Apy3YaSNdZAlFri1iA
Beverage distribution can be a significant source of single-use plastic waste, often derived from fossil-based materials, within a university campus. Proposals for the adoption of reusable containers, including those promoted by external organizations, deserve careful evaluation, as they are fully aligned with both the circular economy strategies adopted by the Politecnico and the European regulatory framework, in particular Directive (EU) 2019/904 on Single-Use Plastics.
In this context, the LCA Network was asked to provide a preliminary opinion on the adoption of the Circular Cup, a reusable cup developed by Circular&Co and based on the Bring Your Own model. Available in different sizes, the cup could be used for beverage distribution services across the University.
To support this evaluation, the Working Group “Technical Support to the University” prepared a document, that explores the topic on the basis of a review of the scientific literature and of the expertise developed by members of the LCA Network.
Read the document (in Italian):
https://mega.nz/file/y04kjQ6Q#jKlONwnxh6sFv6IaS22NKW7csZtlmd0evhOMcjYDsMA
Activity performed by the Working Groups “Technical Support to the University”
A group of students from the SIT initiative (Students for Innovation of the Territory, student association CRES at the Cremona Campus), coordinated by the SoM Manufacturing Group, mapped the main Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) software tools, including SimaPro, openLCA, GaBi, Umberto, LCA Calculator, and Planetary (One Click LCA). The activity involved mapping and comparing the different software solutions, with particular attention to their features, strengths and weaknesses, and associated costs.
Read the final document (in Italian):
https://mega.nz/file/jgZ0SKiI#-MUIP92CCLXjZv3zFuCTAy1--YAqi6tGVF2Aye5kDTM
Activity supported by the Working Groups “Tech & Tools”
On 19 June 2026, a plenary meeting of the Polimi LCA Network was held, open to all Network members and to members of Politecnico staff involved in its establishment and activities.
The meeting provided an important opportunity to present the activities carried out so far by the Network and its Working Groups. A dedicated discussion session was also held to collect participants' feedback, gather new ideas, and collaboratively define future initiatives.
The event was attended by approximately 50 participants (both in person and online) and was hosted by the Department of Chemistry, Materials and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta".
DETAILED AGENDA
- 2:30-2:45 PM - General presentation of the Polimi LCA Network (objectives, research groups, and working groups). Prof. L. Rigamonti
- 2:45-4:15 PM - Presentation of the Network's six Working Groups (activities carried out and planned), delivered by the coordinators of each group:
- 2:45-3:00 PM: Advanced Training in LCA
- 3:00-3:15 PM: Junior Researchers
- 3:15-3:30 PM: Communication, Social Media & Networking
- 3:30-3:45 PM: Basic Training in LCA
- 3:45-4:00 PM: Technical Support for the University
- 4:00-4:15 PM: Tech & Tools
- 4:15-4:45 PM - Open discussion to collect feedback from participants on the activities carried out so far and to gather proposals and ideas for future initiatives
Download the material: https://mega.nz/file/P5pXVbgI#QFqkxEANvLh04Vg3rfMziS_-X8FrM2ey3glK4fuWxkY
On 12 June 2026, the Network held the second edition of the training course entitled “Understanding Environmental Impacts: An Introduction to the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Methodology through an Interactive Game” for the University's technical and administrative staff. The course was organized in collaboration with the Learning Development and Talent Management Unit (Human Resources and Organization Division of Politecnico di Milano).
During the morning session, 12 participants from various Departments (DMEC, DEIB, DAER, and DAStU) and from the Campus of Lecco, Como, and Cremona had the opportunity to explore the principles of the LCA methodology through a combination of theoretical and practical activities.
After the introductory lecture on the LCA methodology given by Professor Lucia Rigamonti, participants engaged in a group activity coordinated by Eng. Elisa Amodeo. They analyzed the life cycle of a product, from identifying production stages and the natural resources involved to assessing potential environmental impacts.
The active involvement of Politecnico di Milano staff is a key element in promoting a culture of sustainability across the University.
Detailed programme:
- Introduction to the LCA methodology - Prof. Lucia Rigamonti, DICA (9:30 - 10:45 a.m.)
- LCA Game - Eng. Elisa Amodeo, DIG (11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.)
- Final discussion (1:00 - 1:30 p.m.)
Link to view the course details and the related flyer: https://mega.nz/folder/zx5lgKJD#wxwHLa45QsWjSf9wUFOzKg
Activity organized by the Working Groups “Basic training in LCA” and “Strategic Support to the University”
In January 2026, the first edition of the course "Advanced Models and Methods for LCA" - for PhD programmes in Environmental and Infrastructure Engineering (IAT) and in STEP-Change of the Politecnico di Milano was held.
The course was coordinated by Prof. L. Rigamonti, and included Prof. F. Biondini, PhD G. Dolci, Prof. M.V. Rocco, PhD J. Famiglietti, and PhD J. Babí Almenar.
The course provided an advanced in-depth look at the LCA methodology, focusing on key and controversial topics such as:
- modelling of recycled material content in products and waste recycling processes;
- analysis of uncertainty and time-dependent factors in the LCA;
- computational structure of Input-Output Analysis;
- difference between attributional and consequential modelling.
The course was attended by 24 PhD Candidates from Politecnico di Milano, and also by 9 other participants.
More information about the course is available on the course webpage.
The course was held in English.
Activity organised by the working group Advanced LCA Training
The first edition of the seminar series "Lights, Camera, Action!" (15/01/2026), organized by the Junior Researchers working group, was dedicated to the LCA advancements and research studies conducted by PhD students of the Polimi LCA Network. The presentations covered key topics including textile waste management, biochar valorization, and timber-hybrid structures.
With approximately 70 participants attending both in person and online, the event confirmed the strong interest in these research areas.
Year 2025
Introductory Course to Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) organised by the Association of Engineers of the Province of Milan.
The course comprised two days of training. Day One introduced the methodology (13 November 2025), and Day Two presented application cases in various sectors (26 November 2025).
The seminars were held by Polimi LCA Network professors, who provided participants with the methodological and practical foundations required to respond to new needs in public procurement, foundations on green claims legislation, and with know-how demanded by the growing drive of the supply chain towards sustainability. Through a hands-on approach and application examples, participants acquired essential skills to integrate the LCA into their professional activities.
Activity organised by the work group Basic LCA Training.
The distribution of bottled water represents a source of single-use plastic waste, often of fossil origin, even within the university environment, where it is sometimes still preferred to tap water. In this context, the Network has recently supported the University in the new “Vending Machine” tender concerning the supply of bottled water.
In detail, the Network prepared a supporting document where the topic is first introduced, based on a literature review and on the experience gained by the its members. It then proposes binding criteria for the tender, aimed at promoting the use of less impactful packaging, facilitating a proper separate waste collection and the subsequent recycling of plastic packaging, and guiding users towards more sustainable and conscious consumption choices.
See the supporting document (October 2025)
Activity organised by the work group Strategic Support to the University
LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) methodology training course for University technical and administrative staff (Supplies & Facility Management Division, and HR and Organizational Development Division)
The course was held on 31 October 2025, divided into two parts:
- Introduction to LCA methodology - Prof. Lucia Rigamonti, DICA
- LCA game - Eng. Elisa Amodeo & PhD Roberto Rocca, DIG
Activity organised by the work group LCA Basic Training and Strategic Support to the University
For further infomation and event material:
On July 9, 2025, the Strategic Alignment Webinar on Sustainability Topics, organized by the Sustainability Task Force of Politecnico di Milano, was held. The event provided an opportunity to share the main goals and ongoing activities of the Polimi LCA Network.
During the webinar, Prof. Lucia Rigamonti, founder of the PoliMi LCA Network, presented an overview of the initiative, focusing on:
- main components of the network
- its main goals and long-term vision
- activities already implemented, as well as those currently under development
Below you can find the links of the materials of the webinar (accessible to PoliMi internal users only):
Year 2024
On November 13, 2024, the launch event of the Polimi LCA Network took place.
After an initial welcome by the Director of DICA, A. Frangi, and the Vice Rector for Sustainable Development and Societal Impact, A. Perego, the event continued with two presentations on the importance of applying the LCA methodology with an interdisciplinary approach (P. Masoni, President of Ecoinnovazione) and within the university (F. Cavazzana, Head of the Infrastructure and Services Management Area).
Prof. L. Rigamonti (AWARE research group, DICA) then introduced the “Polimi LCA Network” initiative, followed by a presentation of each participating research group. A final presentation focused on other existing networks, in particular the Italian LCA Network Association and the IALCCE (International Association for Life-Cycle Civil Engineering).
The event was attended by more than 80 participants, including research fellows, PhD students, professors, technical and administrative staff, as well as members from companies and organizations external to the Politecnico di Milano. The final discussion with the audience made it possible to gather their needs, with the aim of integrating them into the network’s already preliminarily defined objectives, and to identify the first practical steps to move.