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The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) has established a working group to create the first Site Lifecycle Assessment (SLCA) methodology guide. This guide will standardize measurements for greenhouse gas emissions and sequestration opportunities across various landscape architecture projects, including those involving civil engineering.

Currently, there is no established methodology for SLCA calculations, leading to inconsistent benchmarks for embodied carbon in sites. The new guide aims to formalize standards in scope, process, and reporting, enabling better data alignment and emissions benchmarking.

The effort supports the Landscape Architecture 2040 Commitment Program, which strives for zero emissions and doubled carbon sequestration by 2040. The working group includes experts from North Carolina State University, SWA, the Carbon Leadership Forum, and other civil engineering representatives, and will collaborate with a practice group of firms for peer review.