LCA Database Access & Licensing Guide

"How do I get access to ecoinvent?" and "What free databases are available?" are among the first practical questions every LCA practitioner faces. This guide demystifies database access, licensing, and strategies for filling regional data gaps.

Understanding LCA Database Licensing

How Database Licensing Works

LCA databases are typically licensed separately from software. Key points:

• Software license ≠ Database license (usually)
• Some bundles exist (GaBi includes its own databases, some SimaPro licenses include ecoinvent)
• Academic pricing is often significantly discounted
• Per-seat vs. site licenses affect multi-user access

FAQ: Database Access

"How do I get access to ecoinvent? Is it included with my software license?"

The short answer: ecoinvent is a separate product. It may or may not be bundled with your software.

ecoinvent access options:

Software bundling:

• SimaPro Faculty/PhD: Often includes ecoinvent access
• SimaPro Business: Usually requires separate ecoinvent license
• openLCA: Never includes ecoinvent (but supports it if you have a license)
• GaBi/Sphera: Uses its own databases; ecoinvent available as add-on

How to get ecoinvent:

1. Visit ecoinvent.org
2. Choose your license type
3. Request access (may take 1-2 business days)
4. Download in your preferred format (openLCA, SimaPro, EcoSpold, etc.)

"What free LCA databases are available?"

Several high-quality databases are available at no cost:

General-Purpose Free Databases:

Sector-Specific Free Databases:

How to access:

1. openLCA Nexus (nexus.openlca.org) - Central hub for free databases in openLCA format
2. LCA Commons (lcacommons.gov) - US government databases
3. Direct from providers - Many industry databases are available from trade associations

"Why isn't there regional data for my country in the databases?"

The reality: LCA databases have significant geographic gaps, especially for developing countries.

Why gaps exist:

1. Data collection is expensive - Building LCI datasets requires industry cooperation and funding
2. Market focus - Database providers focus on regions with paying customers (Europe, North America)
3. Industry maturity - Some regions lack formalized data collection infrastructure
4. Confidentiality - Industry data may exist but isn't publicly shared

Strategies for dealing with regional gaps:

Option 1: Adapt existing data

• Use data from similar regions with adjustments
• Modify electricity grid mixes for your region
• Adjust transport distances
• Document all adaptations

Option 2: Use global averages

• ecoinvent provides "Global" (GLO) and "Rest of World" (RoW) datasets
• Appropriate when regional specifics don't dominate impacts

Option 3: Create proxy datasets

• Combine local primary data (energy, transport) with generic background data
• Common approach for foreground processes

Option 4: Collect primary data

• Survey local suppliers
• Use government statistics
• Partner with local research institutions

Finding regional emission factors:

Database Comparison

ecoinvent vs. GaBi vs. USLCI

When to Use Each

Use ecoinvent when:

• You need comprehensive global coverage
• You're doing academic research (citation standard)
• Multiple system model options matter
• Data transparency is critical

Use GaBi databases when:

• You're already a GaBi software user
• You need industry-specific modules (automotive, electronics)
• You want integrated software + data support

Use USLCI when:

• Your study is US-focused
• Budget is limited
• You're learning LCA fundamentals

Practical Tips

Mixing Databases

Can you mix databases? Yes, but carefully.

Guidelines:

• Use one database as your primary source for consistency
• Fill gaps from other databases when necessary
• Document all database sources
• Be aware of methodological differences (allocation approaches, system boundaries)
• Check for double-counting when combining datasets

ecoinvent System Models Explained

ecoinvent offers three system models:

Most common: Cut-off (simpler, matches most EPD requirements)

Keeping Databases Current

Database versions matter:

• Document the exact version used (e.g., ecoinvent 3.10, not just "ecoinvent")
• Don't mix versions within a study
• Be cautious updating mid-project—results may change
• Archive the database version with your project files

Academic Discounts

How to maximize academic benefits:

1. Check if your institution has a site license
2. Apply for educational licenses directly from providers
3. Consider academic-commercial partnerships
4. Use free alternatives for coursework, paid for research

Free Database Deep Dive

USLCI (US Life Cycle Inventory)

Access: lcacommons.gov

Strengths:

• Free and open
• US-specific data
• Good for energy and basic materials
• Regular methodology updates

Limitations:

• Limited to US geography
• Fewer processes than ecoinvent
• Some data is older

Best practices:

• Use for US-based studies
• Supplement with other sources as needed
• Check data vintage for your processes

Federal LCA Commons

What it includes:

• USLCI
• FHWA (Federal Highway) database
• CORRIM (wood products)
• Other federal agency data

Access: Same portal as USLCI

openLCA Nexus

What it is: GreenDelta's marketplace for LCA data, including free databases.

Free options include:

• USLCI
• ELCD
• NEEDS
• Agribalyse
• openLCA LCIA methods

Paid options include:

• ecoinvent (multiple formats)
• GaBi databases (some)
• Industry-specific datasets

Key Takeaways

1. ecoinvent is separate from most software licenses—verify your access
2. Free alternatives exist (USLCI, ELCD, sector databases) and are viable for many projects
3. Regional gaps are common—adapt data with documented modifications
4. Database mixing is possible but requires careful documentation
5. Version control matters—document and archive your database versions
6. Academic discounts are often significant—always ask

Quick Reference: Where to Get What

---

Next Steps

Now that you understand database access, the next lesson covers System Boundaries Practical Guide—how to define appropriate boundaries for your study.