PLANETS @ 3rd SSbD Bootcamp
At the end of October (28-30.10.) over 50 participants from 16 different countries gathered in Ispra (Italy) to learn more about the new advances in “Safe and Sustainable by Design”. This boot camp united stakeholders from different fields (LCA, safety experts etc.) and various institutions: research centres, universities, consultants, SMEs, and large industry.
Katharina Lang-Hogrefe from BNN also took part in the boot camp, to get up to date with latest activities in SSbD and transferring the knowledge also to PLANETS.
At the site of the Joint Research Centre (JRC) of the European Commission, close to Lago Maggiore, the 3rd edition of the SSbD boot camp concentrated on the updates of the revised SSbD framework published earlier this year. In particular, this included a presentation of the new structure of the framework, the introduced “Scoping Analysis” and the more detailed assessment of the socio-economic sustainability. Talks from experts and JRC members on the different dimensions and aspects of the revised SSbD framework gave a diverse intellectual input. Special emphasis was also given to the evaluation and documentation of the assessments, and an overview and current status of the PARC toolbox.
This was complemented by three Hands-on exercises: on Scoping Analysis, Safety Assessment (Addressing chemicals, materials, processes and products) and Environmental Sustainability Assessment. In small groups the participants worked together in interdisciplinary teams to solve tasks of SSbD practitioners. In intense discussions the challenges and chances of implementing the SSbD assessments in practice came to light and gave fascinating new insights into the framework, also supporting the work of ongoing SSbD projects like PLANETS.
The heavy brain work was compensated by a nice social program from the organizers. At the first evening the group was treated with typical Italian aperitivo, and the second evening offered a great social dinner at Hotel Europe directly at the bank of Lago Maggiore. Judging from the pleasant atmosphere and the vivid talks the ideas for some interesting collaborations might have found their start in Ispra on this evening. We thank all organizers for this great event!
The final version of the revised framework will be published mid of December 2025. Recordings of the boot camp are available online.
