LCA Software Selection Guide

"Which LCA software should I use?" is one of the most common questions in the LCA community. This guide provides practical advice based on real practitioner experiences and helps you make an informed decision.

The Big Three: Quick Comparison

FAQ: Software Selection

"Which software should I use: SimaPro, GaBi, or openLCA?"

The honest answer: It depends on your situation.

Choose openLCA if:

• You're a student or working with limited budget
• You need Mac or Linux support
• You want to learn LCA fundamentals without financial commitment
• You're comfortable with occasional troubleshooting
• You need Python scripting for automation

Choose SimaPro if:

• You're in consulting and need client recognition
• You want excellent documentation and support
• You need integration with ecoinvent (historically tight integration)
• Budget is available but not unlimited
• You value a large user community for help

Choose GaBi (Sphera) if:

• You work in a large corporation with enterprise needs
• You need industry-specific databases (automotive, electronics, chemicals)
• EPD generation is a core workflow
• You need multi-user collaboration features
• Budget is not a primary constraint

"Why do I get different results in SimaPro vs openLCA?"

This is a common frustration. Results can differ for several reasons:

1. Different database versions

• ecoinvent 3.9.1 in one tool vs 3.8 in another
• Make sure you're using identical database versions

2. Different system models

• ecoinvent has three system models: Cut-off, APOS, and Consequential
• Each gives different results for the same product

3. Different LCIA method versions

• ReCiPe 2016 v1.1 vs v1.03
• CML 2001 vs CML-IA baseline

4. Allocation choices

• Software may have different default allocation methods
• Check your allocation settings explicitly

5. Background process linking

• Automatic linking may choose different background processes
• Transport distances and electricity mixes can vary

How to troubleshoot:

1. Export your model from both tools
2. Compare the process trees side-by-side
3. Check characterization factors for key flows
4. Verify that the same unit processes are being used
5. Post on ask.openlca.org or the SimaPro forum with specifics

"Is openLCA a viable free alternative for professional work?"

Yes, but with caveats.

openLCA strengths:

• Full LCA functionality (product systems, LCIA, Monte Carlo)
• Supports all major databases (ecoinvent, GaBi, USLCI)
• Active development and community
• Python/SQL scripting for advanced users
• Published papers and professional reports use it regularly

openLCA challenges:

• Less polished user interface than commercial tools
• Documentation can be patchy for advanced features
• No official phone support (community forums + paid support options)
• Some clients may question non-commercial software
• Occasional bugs in new releases (let versions mature)

Professional use recommendations:

1. Use stable releases, not beta versions
2. Budget time for learning curve
3. Join ask.openlca.org for community support
4. Consider paid support from GreenDelta if needed
5. Document your methods thoroughly for client confidence

Beyond the Big Three

One Click LCA

Best for: Construction and building sector

• Cloud-based, very user-friendly
• Built-in EPD generation
• Strong BIM integration
• Limited to construction scope

Brightway

Best for: Researchers and developers

• Python-based framework
• Maximum flexibility and automation
• Requires programming skills
• Used for cutting-edge LCA research

Activity Browser

Best for: Brightway users wanting a GUI

• Built on Brightway
• Point-and-click interface
• Best of both worlds for Python-capable users

Umberto

Best for: Material flow analysis

• Visual flow modeling
• Manufacturing focus
• Strong on process optimization

Ecochain

Best for: Rapid product footprinting

• Cloud-based
• Quick assessments
• Good API for integration

Decision Framework

Use this flowchart to guide your choice:

Step 1: What's your budget?

• Zero → openLCA or Brightway
• Some → SimaPro or One Click LCA
• Enterprise → GaBi/Sphera

Step 2: What's your sector?

• Construction → Consider One Click LCA
• Automotive/Electronics → GaBi has strong databases
• Academic research → Brightway or openLCA
• General consulting → SimaPro or openLCA

Step 3: What's your technical comfort?

• Prefer polished UX → SimaPro or One Click LCA
• Comfortable troubleshooting → openLCA
• Want to code → Brightway

Step 4: What do clients/stakeholders expect?

• Name recognition matters → SimaPro or GaBi
• Budget-conscious clients → openLCA is fine
• Internal use only → Any capable tool works

Practical Tips

Starting Out

1. Start with openLCA to learn fundamentals without financial pressure
2. Use free databases (USLCI) before investing in ecoinvent
3. Complete tutorials before starting real projects
4. Join communities early—you'll need help

Transitioning Between Tools

Most LCA software can:

• Import/export EcoSpold and ILCD formats
• Share database files
• Transfer models (with some adjustment)

Your skills transfer more than your files—understanding LCA methodology matters more than mastering one software's interface.

Handling Client Preferences

If a client requires specific software:

• Many consultants maintain multiple licenses
• Sub-contracting for specific tools is common
• Cloud/educational licenses reduce multi-tool costs

Software Won't Fix Methodology

Key Takeaways

1. openLCA is viable for professional work if you can handle the learning curve
2. SimaPro leads in consultant recognition and support
3. GaBi/Sphera excels for enterprise and industry-specific needs
4. Results differ between tools due to databases, methods, and settings—not fundamental flaws
5. Start free, upgrade when needed—you can always switch tools later
6. Community matters—choose software with active support forums

Resources for Each Platform

openLCA:

• ask.openlca.org - Community Q&A
• openLCA.org - Downloads and documentation
• openLCA YouTube - Video tutorials

SimaPro:

• SimaPro Help Center
• PRé Sustainability Blog
• SimaPro User Conference (annual)

GaBi/Sphera:

• Sphera Support
• GaBi Academy training programs
• Industry-specific webinars

---

Next Steps

Ready to dive deeper? The next lesson covers Database Access & Licensing—understanding how to get the data you need for your LCA work.