Distance to target methods are one of the main families of life cycle impact assessment methods. They are based on politically and legally defined environmental goals. The ecological scarcity approach, first intro-duced in 1990, has evolved to an important pillar of environmental policy in administration and industry. Today, the 4th generation ecological scarcity method, applied on Switzerland is being launched. In a first session, the application of ecological scarcity approach and its benefits for administration and in-dustry are highlighted. In a second session the main elements of the 4th generation ecological scarcity method 2013 are presented. New elements of the method comprise among others abiotic resources, land use world-wide, noise, and a new approach to assess nuclear waste. Abiotic resources are assessed using consistently updated scarcity figures. Land use impact factors are now available for land occupation in 14 biomes world-wide addressing biodiversity impacts on flora and fauna. Noise impacts of road, rail and air traffic are assessed using a harmonised European approach. Nuclear wastes are characterised according to their radio toxicity. The results of practical applications (e.g., LCA of paper, packaging, cars and company LCAs) using the new ecofactors will be presented in a third session. Finally we look across the border and get insights into Euro-pean and Asian approaches based on ecological scacity or target oriented impact assessment methods. This discussion forum will address the following questions: -- What are the key motivations for administration and industry to use single score impact assessment approaches such as the ecological scarcity method? -- What are the key elements of the 4th generation ecological scarcity method 2013? -- How does the update affect the impact scores (in eco-points) of commonly used goods and services? -- What are the first lessons learned with the updated 4th generation ecological scarcity method 2013? -- How division of powers helps for developing life cycle impact assessment methods?