Life Cycle Assessment is becoming an essential lens through which sustainability professionals evaluate environmental impact, yet the field continues to evolve rapidly as new voices emerge with fresh perspectives.
These rising influencers bring more than just data and methods, they challenge traditional thinking and inspire innovative ways to measure and reduce footprints. Their work spans industries, from biogas to renewable fuels, blending technical rigor with real-world application.
This new generation pushes beyond established norms, uncovering overlooked connections in supply chains and uncovering opportunities for meaningful change. The sustainability conversation grows richer as these individuals share insights shaped by experience, curiosity, and urgency.
In this blog post, meet 17 emerging sustainability influencers in Life Cycle Assessment whose ideas and approaches are shaping the future of responsible environmental practice. Expect deep dives into their backgrounds, unique contributions, and how they are influencing the trajectory of sustainability with practical, actionable ideas.
Kevin Ramm
Kevin Ramm, the Global Director of Sustainability at Manufacture 2030, is gaining recognition in the sustainability community for his practical approach to integrating environmental considerations into daily operations. With over a decade of experience in the consumer goods sector, Kevin emphasizes the importance of Life Cycle Assessment in understanding product impacts. He advocates for transparent communication and collaborative efforts to drive sustainable practices within supply chains. Kevin’s commitment to sustainability is evident in his efforts to align business strategies with environmental goals, making him a noteworthy influencer in the LCA landscape.
Bill Flanagan
Bill Flanagan, co-founder of Aspire Sustainability, is a pioneering voice in life cycle assessment and corporate sustainability. As a certified LCA professional, he received the prestigious Lifetime Individual LCA Leadership Award from the American Center for Life Cycle Assessment in 2014. Flanagan’s extensive experience includes leading GE’s Ecoassessment Center of Excellence, where he developed innovative tools to integrate LCA into business decision-making. As Chair of the ACLCA Board, he has fostered collaboration and advanced LCA practices. His commitment to education is evident through his role as a Corporate Sustainability Fellow at Furman University.
Peter Canepa
Peter Canepa, LCA Specialist at Oregon’s Department of Environmental Quality, is a leading voice in life cycle assessment for sustainable materials management. With over two decades of experience, including roles at thinkstep and PE International, he brings scientific rigor to public policy. At the 2024 LCA Institute, Canepa emphasized the role of LCA in driving environmental accountability. His work bridges technical expertise and policy impact, making him a key figure in advancing sustainable practices.
Connie Hensler
Connie Hensler, Global Director of Environmental Management & Product Stewardship at Interface, is a pioneering force in sustainable product innovation. With over 4 decades of experience, she has led initiatives that integrate life cycle assessment into product development, notably contributing to Interface’s climate-neutral Cool Carpet program. As Chair of the American Center for Life Cycle Assessment, Hensler champions data-driven sustainability practices. Her work emphasizes the importance of green chemistry and circular economy principles, making her a vital voice in the evolving landscape of sustainable manufacturing.
Bryanne Tait
Bryanne Tait, former Global Senior Director of Sustainability of Jumeirah, is a formidable force in aligning luxury hospitality with environmental responsibility. With over 25 years of experience spanning Shell, E.ON, Masdar, and the World Bank, she brings a global perspective to sustainable development. At Jumeirah, she led initiatives focusing on decarbonization, water conservation, and biodiversity protection. Notably, she champions the integration of plant-based menus and elimination of single-use plastics, reflecting her commitment to impactful, systemic change in the industry.
Brandie Sebastian
Brandie Sebastian is a rising voice in Life Cycle Assessment and sustainable design. As Senior LCA Advisor at JBE, she blends environmental science with strategic storytelling to drive meaningful change. Brandie focuses on making complex data accessible, helping brands embrace transparency and circular practices. Her work bridges the gap between technical analysis and creative communication, inspiring businesses to adopt responsible materials and processes. Brandie’s passion for education and collaboration continues to influence the future of sustainable product development.
Henry King
Henry King stands out as a leading voice in life cycle assessment, blending scientific rigor with corporate sustainability. As a Senior Sustainability Expert at Unilever, he co-developed methodologies to measure greenhouse gas emissions across thousands of products, shaping the company’s Sustainable Living Plan. King’s research spans consumer behavior, bio-based product data gaps, and predictive modeling for biodiversity. His work bridges academia and industry, making him a pivotal figure in advancing LCA practices.
Yetunde Omolayo
Yetunde Omolayo, Dow’s Life Cycle Assessment and Sustainability Expertise Leader, blends deep technical knowledge with a passion for real-world impact. With a PhD in Environmental Engineering from Drexel University and prior roles at Anthesis Group and Sphera, she brings both academic rigor and industry insight. At Dow, she advances circular economy initiatives, such as transforming plastic and sawdust waste into affordable building materials in Nigeria. Her leadership also extends to empowering African youth through sustainability programs like the Youth Day of Service.
Tom Etheridge
Tom Etheridge is a trailblazer in life cycle assessment, with over 25 years at HP, where he pioneered anticipatory LCA to guide sustainable product design and business models. As HP’s Worldwide LCA and Carbon Footprint Program Manager, his work helped the company earn top sustainability accolades. Now at Equilibrio, Tom continues to shape corporate sustainability strategies, blending scientific rigor with real-world impact. His data-driven approach makes him a standout voice in the LCA community.
Carrie Pearson
Carrie Pearson, Product Sustainability Lead at Cargill, is driving meaningful change in how businesses approach sustainability. With deep expertise in Life Cycle Assessment and sustainable product strategy, she helps integrate science-based insights into supply chain decisions. Carrie focuses on improving transparency, reducing environmental impact, and advancing regenerative practices within global agriculture and food systems. Her work champions data-driven solutions that balance business needs with climate responsibility, making her a standout voice in the evolving sustainability landscape.
Vicki Rybl
Vicki Rybl, Director of Life Cycle Assessment at WAP Sustainability, is renowned for her innovative approach to environmental impact analysis. With a strong foundation in environmental science and a passion for sustainable development, she has been instrumental in advancing LCA methodologies that integrate economic, social, and environmental dimensions. Vicki’s work emphasizes the importance of holistic assessments in driving sustainable business practices. Her thought leadership and commitment to sustainability make her a standout figure among emerging influencers in the field.
Peter Shonfield
Peter Shonfield, Global Product Sustainability Director at ERM, is a globally respected authority in Life Cycle Assessment. With decades of experience, he has championed the integration of LCA into circular economy strategies and early-stage design processes. His work emphasizes data quality, transparency, and the practical application of LCA in emerging technologies. Shonfield’s insights have been pivotal in shaping sustainability practices across various industries, making him a key influencer in the field.
John Beath
John Beath, CEO and Chief Technical Director at John Beath Environmental, is a dynamic emerging influencer in Life Cycle Assessment and sustainability. With extensive experience in environmental consulting and data-driven impact analysis, he champions transparent, science-based approaches to reduce carbon footprints across industries. John’s expertise lies in integrating LCA methodologies with business strategies, helping companies make sustainable decisions that drive real-world impact. His proactive engagement on LinkedIn and participation in key sustainability forums highlight his commitment to advancing circular economy practices and innovative solutions for a greener future.
Allison Chertack
Allison Chertack, Associate Director of Plastics Life Cycle & Sustainability at the American Chemistry Council, stands out as a leading voice in life cycle assessment and circular economy strategies. With a Master’s in Sustainability Systems, she leverages data-driven insights to advocate for advanced recycling and mass balance approaches. Chertack also leads Operation Clean Sweep, promoting responsible plastic management. Her expertise bridges policy, industry, and environmental stewardship, making her a must-watch sustainability influencer in 2025.
Sebastian Birke
Sebastian Birke, Senior LCA Expert at Makersite, is a prominent sustainability influencer driving innovation in Life Cycle Assessment. With expertise in environmental impact analysis and circular economy strategies, Sebastian champions sustainable business transformation. His data-driven approach helps organizations minimize ecological footprints while maximizing resource efficiency. As an advocate for integrating LCA into corporate decision-making, Sebastian’s insights inspire the next generation of sustainability leaders. Watch this rising voice closely for groundbreaking contributions to environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
Michele Wallace
Michele Wallace, Director of Sustainability Standards Development at Cotton Incorporated, is a dynamic sustainability influencer making waves in the LCA community. With expertise in life cycle assessment and sustainable product design, Michele drives innovative solutions for environmental impact reduction. Her strategic insights and collaborative approach empower businesses to adopt greener practices. Known for her commitment to sustainability education, Michele actively promotes circular economy principles and carbon footprint management. As an emerging voice in LCA, she inspires professionals to integrate sustainability deeply into decision-making processes, shaping a greener future.
Hannes Partl
Hannes Partl is a leading voice in Life Cycle Assessment and sustainability innovation. With a strong background in environmental engineering, he drives impactful research on circular economy and sustainable product design. Hannes focuses on integrating LCA tools into real-world applications, helping businesses reduce their carbon footprint effectively. His work promotes transparency and accountability in sustainability reporting. As an emerging influencer, Hannes Partl inspires professionals to adopt science-based approaches for a greener future. Follow his insights for cutting-edge LCA trends and sustainable strategies.
New sustainability influencers driving change in Life Cycle Assessment
The rising voices shaping the future of Life Cycle Assessment are impossible to ignore. These 17 emerging sustainability influencers bring fresh perspectives, deep technical knowledge, and a genuine passion for transforming how industries think about environmental impact. From driving transparency in carbon accounting to pushing boundaries in circular design, their work reflects a growing shift, blending science, technology, and practical action.
What stands out isn’t just their expertise, but their willingness to share, collaborate, and challenge the status quo. They’re sparking important conversations about the next generation of sustainable solutions and proving that Life Cycle Assessment isn’t reserved for academics or specialists, it’s a vital tool for businesses, designers, and policymakers alike.
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