AQA – using Life Cycle Assessment to support decision making around the future of examinations in England
AQA is an examination board providing GCSE, A-levels and support. In 2023, AQA commissioned Blue Marble to conduct a life cycle assessment study comparing a traditional paper-based examination with a digital on-screen examination.
Blue Marble worked with AQA to scope the system boundaries of the on-screen and paper-based examinations against which Blue Marble prepared a bespoke question set to support the gathering of primary data.
LCA modelling was conducted by Blue Marble using SimaPro and a detailed report was prepared comparing the two scenarios.
Due to assumptions needing to be made around the on-screen process, a sensitivity analysis was conducted to determine the impacts from adjusting certain variables in the on-screen process (including lifespan of ICT equipment, typical usage, types of equipment used, etc.).
Overall, the results showed an immediate reduction of carbon impacts from switching from paper-based to on-screen examinations, with significant further reductions possible through refinement of the on-screen process (e.g. extending lifespan of ICT equipment).
Further details can be found in the AQA report here: Making it click: the case for digital examinations in England
AQA will look to update the LCA study once more primary data is available on the on-screen process.