Presentation PELCAN

The Peruvian Network for Life Cycle and Industrial Ecology (PELCAN) is a research group that originated in 2005 within the Engineering Department of the Pontifical Catholic University of Peru. Its creation stemmed from the support of the UN Environment Programme’s Life Cycle Initiative and the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC). Currently, PELCAN comprises professors and researchers from the Industrial Engineering department (where PELCAN was founded), Civil Engineering, and, primarily, Environmental Engineering.

PELCAN’s work focuses on two main aspects. First, its primary mission is to generate scientific knowledge in the field of environmental engineering, with a specific focus on life cycle methodologies, industrial ecology, and, more recently, the circular economy. Second, PELCAN advocates for improved teaching in environmental and sustainable development topics, supporting undergraduate and master’s theses and training future researchers in doctoral and postdoctoral programs. On the other hand, PELCAN serves as a connection point with life cycle networks in other Latin American countries and around the world, and is a member of the Ibero-American Life Cycle Network.

Mission
To generate and disseminate knowledge with a comprehensive approach to sustainability.

Vision
To be a leading research group internationally.

Objectives
The activities of the Peruvian Life Cycle and Industrial Ecology Network (PELCAN) are structured around the following objectives:

• To generate knowledge in the field of environmental sustainability.
• To train future researchers and professionals through research projects, training programs, continuing education, and consulting services.
• To promote the application and usefulness of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and other environmental tools in Peru.
• To foster exchanges of experiences and connect with other national and international LCA networks.
• To contribute information to create Peruvian databases of Life Cycle inventories.

To achieve these objectives, PELCAN participates in the development of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) projects, conducts training for interested parties, publishes materials, and collaborates with regional networks for the implementation of Life Cycle Inventories in Latin America. The projects in which it participates are both local and regional, and each contributes to gathering information for the creation of a national database, which will allow for an objective analysis of processes, products, and services in Peru.

Furthermore, PELCAN represents the country at national, regional, and international conferences on Life Cycle Assessment, where it presents its various projects and exchanges knowledge with other LCA networks, making a valuable contribution to Peru and the region.

PELCAN Leadership

2019–2026: Ian Vázquez Rowe

2006–2018: Isabel Quispe

2005–2006: Sonia Valdivia