Assessing environmental impacts of equine systems using LCA: innovative methodological framework and case study

Methodological frameworks that standardise life cycle assessment (LCA) exist for most types of livestock to make case studies more directly comparable, but no complete framework exists for equines. This study aimed to develop a methodological framework for assessing environmental impacts of equine systems using LCA. We created a framework based on the literature, the ISO 14040 standard and expert consultations and then applied it to a case study of a riding school. The framework considered the diversity of equines systems, such as racing stables, riding schools, and breeders. Equine systems having different functions, several functional units were considered related to a system’s activity (e.g. competition, hour of activity), to assess a service. Another functional unit allowed systems benchmarking: the number of livestock units, a common characteristic. The framework considered the entire life cycle of equines and background data for buildings, materials, energy, and water use. Most emission models selected came from the Agribalyse® framework. Equine-specific emission models were used for enteric methane and nitrogen excretion. One riding lesson had a climate change impact of 14.3 kg CO2 eq/h. Including the growing and retirement phases is important when assessing impacts of equine activity, as they contribute 27–41% of total impacts. The framework covers 96% of equines systems in France. It enables equine systems to be assessed as both agricultural systems and providers of leisure services. A methodological framework for LCA of equine systems was created. The functional unit used to assess impacts depends on a system’s activity. Considering the entire life cycle from birth to end-of-life is recommended. One hour of riding lessons had a climate change impact of 14.3 kg CO2 eq/h. Direct emissions and feed inputs contributed most to impacts of equines.