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.