Rafael Laurenti

Rafael Laurenti is a researcher in climate calculations, life cycle assessment (LCA) and circular economy. He has around 15 years of experience quantifying climate impacts and emission reduction potential for products, organisations, cities and consumption.

Rafael works at the interface between calculation and decision-making. He builds quantitative models, reviews the work of others, and translates results into measures and strategies that can be tracked and communicated credibly.

At municipal level he has worked with territorial and consumption-based emissions, potential analyses against net zero targets, and climate transition scenarios. This work identifies which measures deliver the greatest effect, how far they lie within municipal control, and where hotspot-based strategies fall short of reaching the targets.

Rafael has extensive experience in critical review and quality assurance of climate calculations. He has validated methodologies for calculating avoided emissions, reviewed LCA models, and produced background data for EPDs in the construction sector. He has carried out LCAs of products, services and technologies across construction, furniture, mobility, textiles, electronics, household consumption and manufacturing.

Methodologically, he combines process-based LCA, input-output analysis (EXIOBASE), material flow analysis, and scenario and uncertainty analysis.

Rafael has served as work package leader in EU-funded research projects and as project manager in both research and commissioned assignments. He regularly delivers workshops, training and courses for industry, the public sector and students.

His assignments have included, among others:

• Carbon footprint calculations for products, services, buildings and investments.
• Analysis of territorial and consumption-based emissions at municipal level.
• Potential and scenario analysis linked to net zero targets and emission pathways.
• Critical review and validation of climate calculations, LCA models and EPDs.
• Calculation of avoided emissions from reuse, repair and recycling.
• Life cycle assessment and material flow analysis in construction, furniture, textiles, electronics and mobility.
• Analysis of circular business models, resource efficiency and rebound effects.
• Assessment of climate benefit and feasibility for individual measures and packages of measures.
• Capacity building through training, seminars and workshops.