The goal is to create a product with a decreased environmental impact that best respects the fundamentals of the circular economy. From there, we can improve the product in terms of material selection, suppliers and manufacturing processes. All in all, it is highly cost-effective to use an adapted LCA software to remain efficient and competitive.Īn LCA software allows to become aware of the global material and energy flows for the manufacturing of a product. However, conducting a life cycle analysis of a product in this way is extremely time consuming.Īccess to databases also has a significant financial cost. A spreadsheet can be used to organize the flows. Theoretically, it is possible to perform an LCA by hand if one has access to the databases. Using software greatly simplifies the process and allows for teamwork and networking. Indeed, the life cycle analysis is also a set of steps and iterations to complete. Secondly, the software allows structuring and guiding the user to easily follow the LCA methodology. Which is a real shame for the LCA community. Note: ELCD, the free European database, is a project that has been abandoned in 2019. The main databases for product life cycle analysis.

GaBi : in addition to the software edition, Gabi has its own database with more and more aggregated elements such as cameras, microphones, etc.

IMPACTS database : the free French database, regularly updated and increasingly comprehensive.

Ecoinvent : this is the most comprehensive reference database.

There are general and specialized databases.ĭepending on your activity, you will have to make sure that the software you want to use has access to the right databases Most of the life cycle assessment software is based on the exploitation of databases specific to eco-design and the circular economy.

The software allows you to break down the entire life cycle of a product, from its components to the energy required to manufacture the product. In concrete terms, the software allows the entire product to be broken down into flows.

In general, a life cycle analysis tool allows you to make the right decisions regarding the manufacture and recycling of a product by taking into account its entire life cycle. How to choose the right software for your needs.

Openlca get the database for free