International Stakeholder Conference 2026
The programme of the International Stakeholder Conference 2026 (ISC2026) brings together strategic dialogue, practical learning, and networking across three days.
Through keynote presentations, panel discussions, roundtables, workshops, and training sessions, the agenda explores how Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) can support environmental transparency, competitiveness, and decarbonisation in India and Southeast Asia.
Below you will find an overview of the sessions included in the ISC2026 programme. Detailed information on speakers is available on the Speakers page.
Innovation Showcases
Keynote Sessions
As environmental transparency moves from niche practice to market expectation, the economics of producing and using credible data become increasingly important. This keynote will explore the cost structures behind LCA and EPD development, the trade-offs between data quality and accessibility, and how these dynamics influence adoption across industries.
Using India as a reference point, it will examine how both export-driven requirements and domestic market signals are shaping uptake, and how intangible returns on investment, such as market access, credibility, and early-mover advantage, influence decision-making. The session will also explore how procurement, policy, and market signals can shift incentives toward higher-quality, verifiable data, and what this means for scaling environmental transparency in emerging markets.
Panel Discussions
As environmental transparency becomes a strategic priority driven by trade requirements, regulation, and investor expectations, Chief Sustainability Officers (CSOs) are playing a key role in integrating LCA and EPDs into core business decision-making. This panel brings together senior sustainability leaders to share how environmental data is being embedded into corporate strategy, product development, and market positioning.
The discussion will focus on real-world implementation, including how organisations build the business case for LCA and EPDs, secure internal buy-in, and balance cost, data quality, and scalability. It will also explore how compperformance andding to global requirements such as CBAM, aligning sustainability with business performance, and using credible data to strengthen competitiveness and access international markets.
As Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) expand beyond construction, export-oriented sectors such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, food, cement, aluminium, and broader manufacturing are beginning to engage with life cycle data to meet evolving market and regulatory expectations. This panel explores both the opportunities and practical challenges of applying LCA and EPDs across these industries.
The discussion will address sector-specific barriers, data and resource constraints, and readiness for international requirements, while highlighting emerging growth areas. It will also examine how companies can use credible environmental data to strengthen export competitiveness and respond to increasing demands from global buyers and supply chains.
With environmental data playing an increasingly central role in policy, procurement, and trade, ensuring its credibility and consistency is critical. This panel brings together representatives from policy bodies, standardisation organisations, verification experts, and industry to explore how trust in environmental data can be strengthened in the globe.
The discussion will explore how Product Category Rules (PCRs), harmonisation efforts, and robust verification practices can support reliable and decision-ready data. It will also examine how collaboration between public and private actors can strengthen confidence in environmental claims and reduce the risk of greenwashing.
Round Table Discussions
Interactive sessions focused on practical challenges and knowledge exchange. Participants attending onsite are kindly asked to select one roundtable discussion at the time of registration.
EPDs are increasingly requested in sales and procurement conversations, but they are frequently misread as green certifications. An EPD tells you the environmental footprint of a product, but does not make a statement about whether that footprint is good or bad. This roundtable explores what an EPD actually contains, where its boundaries lie, and how third-party verification protects the integrity of that data, drawing on experience working with large manufacturers in 20+ markets.
As regulatory pressures and market expectations around environmental transparency continue to grow, organizations are increasingly investing in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). However, a key challenge remains: how to translate life-cycle data into practical, business-relevant decarbonized actions.
This roundtable will explore how companies can move beyond reporting towards implementation by identifying carbon hotspots, prioritizing interventions, and integrating LCA insights into product design, procurement, and strategy. The discussion will bring together perspectives from manufacturers, policymakers, and practitioners to share challenges, best practices, and actionable pathways for achieving measurable emissions reductions.
High-quality data is the foundation of credible Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), yet ensuring consistency, transparency, and comparability remains a key challenge, particularly in emerging markets. This roundtable explores what defines robust LCA datasets in practice and how practitioners can strengthen data quality across the full assessment process.
The discussion will address how to structure and document primary and secondary data, common data quality challenges in rapidly developing contexts, and practical approaches to improving transparency and comparability. It will also examine how verification requirements influence dataset preparation, and how practitioners can align their work with expectations for credible, third-party-verified results.
As demand for LCA and EPDs grows across India and Southeast Asia, the availability of skilled professionals and institutional capacity becomes a critical enabler of progress. This roundtable explores the current skills gap in the market and identifies priorities for building a stronger, more resilient ecosystem.
The discussion will focus on the competencies most in demand, the types of training and support that would be most impactful, and the specific needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It will also examine how collaboration between industry, academia, governments, and service providers can accelerate capacity building and support long-term development of national and regional expertise.
Workshop & Training Sessions
Hands-on sessions focused on implementation and capacity building. Participants attending onsite are kindly asked to select one workshop or training session at the time of registration.
As the CBAM entered its definitive regime in 2026 — requiring the purchase and surrender of CBAM certificates for embedded emissions — exporters must understand their critical role in supporting EU importers with accurate, verifiable data. This four-hour intensive training program provides a complete roadmap for navigating the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). This course is tailored for exporters providing goods to the EU market within designated high-risk sectors, including Cement, Iron & Steel, Fertilizers, Electricity, Aluminum, and Hydrogen. It offers a comprehensive interpretation of CBAM regulations and outlines the corresponding legal obligations. Participants will move from understanding the basics of carbon leakage to the practical application of reporting templates, ensuring they are fully prepared to deal with CBAM requirements and avoid financial penalties.
Training Structure
Introduction to CBAM and its strategic context (including links to EU ETS and other carbon instruments)
CBAM scope, timeline, and alignment with EU climate goals
Key obligations for non-EU exporters in the CBAM process
Data collection, reporting requirements, and verification
Default values vs. verified actual data
Practical guidance on CBAM certificates, adjustments, and financial implications
Overview of official reporting templates and tools
Q&A session
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this training, participants will be able to:
Understand the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), its purpose in preventing carbon leakage, and its relation to other EU carbon instruments.
Explain how CBAM aligns with and complements the European Union Emissions Trading System (EU ETS), including the phase-out of free allowances and equivalent carbon pricing for imports.
Clearly identify the responsibilities of exporters (non-EU producers) in supporting CBAM implementation, particularly in providing emissions data to EU importers for reporting and certificate surrender.
Know the specific data requirements for CBAM reporting, including direct and indirect embedded greenhouse gas emissions for covered goods.
Understand the critical importance of using verified actual emissions data versus default values, and the advantages of verified data in reducing CBAM costs.
Grasp the concept of CBAM calculation methods for determining embedded emissions, CBAM certificate requirements, deductions for any carbon prices already paid abroad, and necessary adjustments.
This four-hour hands-on workshop bridges the gap between methodology and real-world life cycle assessment (LCA) development for Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). It is designed for practitioners who want to strengthen their practical skills in building robust LCAs that are transparent, verifiable, and aligned with EPD requirements. Participants will learn how to structure datasets, assess and combine primary and secondary data, make defensible allocation decisions, and prepare documentation suitable for third-party verification. Through interactive demonstrations, practical examples, and case-based exercises, attendees will develop a systematic workflow they can apply directly to their own LCA and EPD projects.
Training Structure
Chapter 1: Foundation & Data Strategy
This chapter introduces the EPD development lifecycle and explains how LCA work should be planned from the start. It focuses on structuring datasets for transparency and deciding how to approach primary and secondary data collection in a practical way.
Chapter 2: Data Quality & Modelling
This chapter examines how data quality affects the strength of an LCA and how to make sound modelling choices under real project constraints. It helps participants understand how to combine different data sources while maintaining consistency and credibility.
Chapter 3: Allocation & Documentation
This chapter focuses on making defensible allocation choices and documenting assumptions clearly. It highlights the importance of traceability and good supporting documentation for review and verification.
Chapter 4: Verification Readiness & Practical Application
This chapter brings the earlier topics together through practical examples and case-based discussion. It shows how to prepare an LCA study and its documentation so that it is ready for third-party verification and EPD use.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
Understand the key steps in LCA for EPD development
Improve dataset structure and data quality approaches
Make more robust methodological choices
Document LCA work more clearly for verification
Apply a practical workflow in their own projects
Note
This training is sponsored by Circa, and each participant will receive €10 in credits to explore and use the platform.
As organisations increasingly invest in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), the focus is shifting from measurement to impact, how to use life-cycle data to drive meaningful decarbonisation. This four-hour training session explores how LCA can support practical emissions reduction strategies across products, processes, and supply chains.
Participants will learn how to identify carbon hotspots, prioritise interventions, and translate LCA results into actionable decisions that align with both regulatory requirements and business objectives. Through practical examples and guided discussion, the training will demonstrate how LCA can move beyond reporting to become a tool for strategic decarbonisation.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this training, participants will be able to:
Understand how LCA can support decarbonisation strategies
Identify carbon hotspots and prioritise reduction actions
Translate LCA results into practical, business-relevant decisions
Integrate life-cycle thinking into product development and supply chain management
Strengthen the role of data in achieving measurable emissions reductions
This four-hour interactive workshop provides a comprehensive introduction to the International EPD System and the practical steps required to develop and publish an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD). Designed for manufacturers and LCA consultants, the session builds both conceptual understanding and practical confidence to engage with EPD development. Participants will gain insights into how the system works, how to navigate the EPD process, and how to apply lifecycle-based thinking in practice. Through a combination of presentations, real-world examples, and interactive discussions, the workshop will support participants in identifying their role and next steps within the EPD ecosystem.
Workshop Structure
Chapter 1: Introduction & Strategic Context
Introduces the International EPD System, why EPDs matter globally, and their growing relevance in India in relation to exports, regulation, and market access.
Chapter 2: Understanding the International EPD System
Explains what an EPD is and how the system functions through LCA, PCRs, verification, and the roles of key actors.
Chapter 3: The EPD Development Process
Presents the step-by-step process of developing an EPD, from defining scope and selecting a PCR to verification and publication.
Chapter 4: PCR Development & Application
Clarifies what PCRs are, how to choose the right one, and when a new PCR may need to be developed or updated.
Chapter 5: The Client Journey – From Zero to Published EPD
Shows the practical journey of a new client, highlighting the roles of manufacturers, consultants, and EPD International throughout the process.
Chapter 6: Harmonisation & Global Alignment
Explores how the International EPD System aligns with key standards, frameworks, and other EPD programmes to support wider acceptance.
Chapter 7: Using the EPD Portal
Provides a practical overview of how to use the EPD Portal to register, manage projects, handle verification, and publish EPDs.
Chapter 8: Wrap-up & Key Takeaways
Summarises the main lessons of the workshop and helps participants identify practical next steps for their EPD journey.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
Understand the structure and functioning of the International EPD System
Identify the key steps required to develop and publish an EPD
Understand how to select and apply Product Category Rules
Recognise the roles of manufacturers, consultants, and verifiers
Gain practical insights into timelines, data needs, and common challenges
Navigate the EPD Portal and identify next steps for engagement
This four-hour workshop is designed to introduce the verifier mindset within the International EPD System (IES) to experienced LCA professionals in India and Southeast Asia. It provides a practical and structured overview of the verifier role, from formal requirements and responsibilities to regional considerations and real-world verification practice. Through presentations, expert insights, and a guided practice session, participants will deepen their understanding of what it means to act as a verifier in the IES and how verification is carried out in practice. The workshop also includes a networking opportunity, giving participants the chance to engage with EPD International staff involved in the verifier selection and appointment process within the system.
Prerequisites
Participants should have at least three years of LCA experience. Before attending, they are expected to read Sections 5, 7, and 8 of the General Programme Instructions (GPI) version 5.0.1 and be familiar with Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) as a concept.
Please note
The agenda below is preliminary, and additional guest speakers may be announced. Participation in this workshop does not automatically guarantee that the participant, or the company they represent, will be selected and/or appointed as a verifier in the International EPD System.
Workshop Structure
Chapter 1: Pathway to Becoming a Verifier in the International EPD System
Chapter 2: Regional Perspectives on EPD Verification
Chapter 3: Practical Lessons from an Experienced Verifier
Chapter 4: Practising the Verifier Mindset
Chapter 5: Networking and System Dialogue
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
Understand the role and responsibilities of verifiers within the International EPD System
Identify the main pathways and requirements for becoming a verifier, including the distinction between individual verifiers and accredited certification bodies
Recognise key regional considerations affecting verification practice in India and Southeast Asia
Gain practical insights into how verification is carried out in real projects and what professional judgment it requires
Apply a verifier mindset to practical review situations and better understand verification readiness
Build awareness of how the verifier selection and appointment process works within the International EPD System
As Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) become increasingly relevant in procurement, product selection, and compliance processes, the ability to correctly interpret and apply EPD data is essential. This training session introduces participants to the structure, content, and practical use of EPDs, helping bridge the gap between technical documentation and real-world decision-making.
The session will explore how EPDs can support both public and private procurement processes, with a focus on practical application. Drawing on real case studies, participants will gain insights into how EPD data is used in purchasing decisions, what to look for when comparing products, and how to avoid common misinterpretations.
Training Structure
The training will begin with an introduction to what an EPD is, how it is developed, and the role of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Product Category Rules (PCRs), and verification in ensuring credibility. It will then guide participants through the typical structure of an EPD, including system boundaries, impact categories, and key indicators. Building on this foundation, the session will explore how to assess comparability between EPDs, what limitations to be aware of, and how to interpret results in a meaningful way. Finally, the training will examine how EPDs can be used in public and private purchasing processes, supported by practical examples and real case studies.
Learning Outcomes
By the end of this training, participants will be able to:
Understand the structure and purpose of Environmental Product Declarations
Navigate and interpret key sections and indicators within an EPD
Recognise the conditions required for comparing EPDs
Apply EPD data in procurement and product selection processes
Avoid common misunderstandings and misuses of EPD information
How can I contribute to the ISC2026 programme?
ISC2026 aims to bring together a diverse range of perspectives, practical experiences, and innovative solutions that can help advance environmental transparency in India and Southeast Asia.
As part of the programme, we welcome expressions of interest from organisations that would like to contribute to the conference through selected session formats, such as the Innovation Showcases.
During 7 October, we will host a series of 30-minute Innovation Showcase presentations. These sessions offer organisations the opportunity to present a project, tool, case study, or solution connected to the key themes of the conference.
Relevant contributions may include topics related to LCA, EPDs, environmental transparency, decarbonisation, CBAM, digital tools, and data solutions.
Presentations should be informative and relevant to participants. Please note that purely promotional or sales-focused presentations will not be selected.
Interested organisations are invited to submit a short proposal. Contributions will be reviewed by the conference team, and selected applicants will be contacted directly.
If you would like to be considered for an Innovation Showcase presentation, please submit your proposal.