LCA Software and Database Resources
A comprehensive guide to Life Cycle Assessment software tools and inventory databases—from free options to enterprise solutions.
LCA Software and Database Resources
The LCA ecosystem includes numerous software tools and databases, each with different strengths, pricing models, and target audiences. This resource guide helps you navigate your options.
LCA Software Overview
Free and Open-Source Tools
openLCA
Developer: GreenDelta | Website: openlca.org
The leading free, open-source LCA software with professional capabilities.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Cost | Free |
| Database support | ecoinvent, Sphera Managed LCA Content, USLCI, and many more |
| Strengths | No cost, flexible, Python scripting |
| Limitations | Steeper learning curve, less polished UI |
| Best for | Academia, consultants, budget-conscious organizations |
Brightway
Developer: Chris Mutel et al. | Website: brightway.dev
A Python framework for advanced LCA research and automation.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Platforms | Any (Python-based) |
| Cost | Free |
| Database support | ecoinvent, USLCI, custom imports |
| Strengths | Highly flexible, scriptable, research-focused |
| Limitations | Requires programming skills |
| Best for | Researchers, developers, automated LCA workflows |
Activity Browser
Developer: Bernhard Steubing et al. | Website: github.com/LCA-ActivityBrowser
A user-friendly GUI built on top of Brightway.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Cost | Free |
| Strengths | Combines Brightway power with graphical interface |
| Best for | Users wanting Brightway capabilities without coding |
Commercial Software
SimaPro
Developer: PRé Sustainability | Website: simapro.com
The industry-standard commercial LCA software, widely used in consulting and academia.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Platforms | Windows (cloud version available) |
| Cost | $$$$ (varies by license type; check current pricing) |
| Database support | ecoinvent, Agri-footprint, Industry data 2.0 |
| Strengths | Mature, well-documented, strong support |
| Limitations | Windows-only desktop version, high cost |
| Best for | Consultants, large enterprises, comprehensive studies |
LCA for Experts (formerly GaBi)
Developer: Sphera | Website: sphera.com
Enterprise-grade LCA software with integrated databases and industry modules.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Platforms | Windows |
| Cost | Custom pricing (typically $5,000-20,000+/year) |
| Database support | Sphera Managed LCA Content, ecoinvent |
| Strengths | Integrated industry datasets, enterprise features |
| Limitations | High cost, complex licensing |
| Best for | Large corporations, industry-specific LCAs |
One Click LCA
Developer: One Click LCA | Website: oneclicklca.com
Cloud-based tool focused on construction and building LCA.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Platforms | Cloud (browser-based) |
| Cost | Subscription-based (varies by use case) |
| Strengths | Construction-specific, BIM integration, EPD generation |
| Limitations | Limited to building/construction sector |
| Best for | Architects, engineers, construction companies |
Umberto
Developer: iPoint | Website: ipoint-systems.com
Material flow analysis and LCA software for manufacturing.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Platforms | Windows |
| Cost | Custom pricing |
| Strengths | Material flow visualization, manufacturing focus |
| Best for | Manufacturing companies, supply chain LCA |
Ecochain
Developer: Ecochain | Website: ecochain.com
Cloud-based platform for product footprinting.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Platforms | Cloud |
| Cost | Subscription-based |
| Strengths | User-friendly, fast assessments, API access |
| Best for | Companies needing rapid product footprints |
Specialized Tools
GREET
Developer: Argonne National Laboratory | Website: greet.es.anl.gov
Transportation and fuel life cycle analysis.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free (US government funded) |
| Focus | Transportation fuels, vehicles |
| Best for | Fuel LCA, transportation research |
Tally
Developer: KT Innovations | Website: choosetally.com
Building LCA plugin for Revit.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | Subscription-based |
| Focus | Building LCA integrated with BIM |
| Best for | Architects using Autodesk Revit |
Software Comparison Matrix
| Feature | openLCA | SimaPro | LCA for Experts | One Click LCA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | $$$ | $$$$ | $$ |
| Learning curve | Moderate | Moderate | Steep | Easy |
| Mac support | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ (web) |
| ecoinvent support | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Monte Carlo | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | Limited |
| Scripting | Python/SQL | SimaPro scripts | LCA for Experts scripts | API |
| EPD generation | Manual | Built-in | Built-in | Built-in |
| Cloud option | Limited | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
Most software vendors offer trial versions or academic licenses. Test multiple options before committing to understand which fits your workflow best.
Life Cycle Inventory Databases
General-Purpose Databases
ecoinvent
Provider: ecoinvent Association | Website: ecoinvent.org
The most comprehensive global LCI database.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Processes | 19,000+ |
| Coverage | Global, with regional variations |
| Cost | CHF 2,900-4,900/year (academic discounts available) |
| System models | Cut-off, APOS, Consequential |
| Formats | EcoSpold2, SimaPro, openLCA, others |
| Best for | Comprehensive LCA studies requiring global data |
Sphera Managed LCA Content (formerly GaBi Databases)
Provider: Sphera | Website: sphera.com
Integrated databases covering numerous industries.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Processes | 15,000+ |
| Coverage | Global, strong European and US data |
| Cost | Included with LCA for Experts license, or separate purchase |
| Strengths | Industry-specific modules, primary data |
| Best for | Users of LCA for Experts software, industry-specific studies |
Free Databases
US Life Cycle Inventory (USLCI)
Provider: NREL | Website: lcacommons.gov
Free, US-specific LCI data.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Processes | 1,000+ |
| Coverage | United States |
| Cost | Free |
| Format | JSON-LD, ILCD |
| Best for | US-focused studies, learning LCA |
ELCD (European Life Cycle Database) — Legacy
Provider: European Commission JRC | Website: eplca.jrc.ec.europa.eu
European reference data from official sources. Note: ELCD 3.2 (2015) was the final release. For current EU PEF-aligned work, use the EF database instead.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Processes | 400+ |
| Coverage | Europe |
| Cost | Free |
| Best for | Historical comparisons, supplementary European data |
Federal LCA Commons
Provider: USDA/EPA/NREL | Website: lcacommons.gov
Portal aggregating US government LCI data.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Databases | USLCI, FHWA, CORRIM, others |
| Cost | Free |
| Best for | US government-funded research, public data |
Sector-Specific Databases
Agri-footprint
Provider: Blonk Consultants | Website: agri-footprint.com
Agricultural and food product data.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Processes | 6,500+ |
| Coverage | Global agricultural supply chains |
| Cost | €1,800-3,500/year |
| Best for | Food LCAs, agricultural products |
Plastics Europe Eco-profiles
Provider: Plastics Europe | Website: plasticseurope.org
Polymer and plastic production data.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Coverage | European plastics production |
| Cost | Free |
| Best for | Plastics and packaging LCAs |
worldsteel LCI
Provider: World Steel Association | Website: worldsteel.org
Steel production data.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Coverage | Global steel production |
| Cost | Free |
| Best for | Steel and metal product LCAs |
Database Comparison Matrix
| Database | Processes | Geographic Focus | Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ecoinvent | 19,000+ | Global | $$$ | Comprehensive studies |
| Sphera Managed LCA Content | 15,000+ | Global | $$$$ | Industry-specific |
| USLCI | 1,000+ | US | Free | US studies |
| ELCD | 400+ | Europe | Free | European baseline |
| Agri-footprint | 6,500+ | Global | $$ | Food & agriculture |
LCIA Method Resources
Where to Get Methods
- openLCA Nexus: nexus.openlca.org - Free method packages
- Software bundles: Most commercial software includes methods
- Original sources: Download from method developers
Major Methods and Sources
| Method | Developer | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| ReCiPe 2016 | RIVM/PRé | Comprehensive assessments |
| CML-IA | Leiden University | Academic studies |
| TRACI | US EPA | US-focused studies |
| EF 3.0 | European Commission | EU PEF compliance |
| Impact 2002+ | EPFL | Endpoint/midpoint combined |
| ILCD | JRC | EU reference |
Choosing Your Tools
For Students and Learners
Recommended: openLCA + USLCI database + openLCA LCIA methods
Cost: Free Learning curve: Moderate Capability: Sufficient for coursework and basic projects
For Consultants
Recommended: SimaPro or openLCA + ecoinvent
Consider:
- Client expectations (some prefer specific tools)
- Geographic focus of projects
- Budget constraints
- EPD generation needs
For Corporations
Recommended: LCA for Experts (Sphera) or SimaPro + relevant industry databases
Consider:
- Enterprise features (multi-user, governance)
- Supply chain integration
- Reporting and compliance needs
- Industry-specific databases
For Researchers
Recommended: Brightway or openLCA + ecoinvent
Consider:
- Scripting and automation needs
- Custom method development
- Data publication requirements
- Reproducibility
Key Takeaways
- Start with free tools (openLCA, USLCI) to learn fundamentals
- Commercial tools offer polish but come with significant costs
- ecoinvent is the gold standard for comprehensive LCI data
- Match your tool choice to your project needs and budget
- Most tools support common databases—your data can often transfer between platforms
Quick Links
Software Downloads:
Database Access:
Community Resources: