Abstract
This paper describes Chevron’s recent research, development, and implementation work on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). It starts by discussing the potential value of LCA as a risk management tool for the oil and gas (O&G) industry, including identifying potential "hotspots" early in the technology or project development process; assessing potential trade-offs between environmental indicators; and addressing increasing stakeholder concerns regarding the energy intensity, greenhouse gas emissions, and water consumption of O&G operations. The paper then describes a series of proof of concept studies Chevron has conducted applying LCA to real-world O&G case studies to assess the business value of the methodology and determine how to best integrate it within existing environmental assessment, engineering design, and business decision-making processes. Specific case studies discussed include evaluation of an innovative production technology and management of "end-of-life" issues (remediation planning) at an existing industrial facility. Finally, the paper identifies lessons learned / good practices for implementing LCA within the O&G industry and presents a proposal for the formation of an O&G industry work group to define LCA indicators that are most relevant to our industry; assess the quantity/quality of existing life cycle inventory (LCI) data sets; and develop a plan to fill identified gaps.