Frequently Asked Questions

Does the EcoSpold data format comply with ISO/TS 14048 ?

Yes, the EcoSpold data format is fully compliant with ISO/TS 14048. It is one of the first formats that works in daily data exchange with all leading LCA software tools such as SimaPro, GaBi, Umberto, Team, CMLCA, etc. Besides the Spine format it is the only one converted to the ISO/TS 14048 format developed by IMI Chalmers. See also EcoSpold Data Format page.

What is new in ecoinvent Data v2.0 as compared to v1.3 ?

ecoinvent data v2.0 contain now 4000 datasets and include more impact assessment methods. Please find more information in the list of new and updated data sets and new assessment methods.

Which products/services and which geographic scope are covered by ecoinvent data v2.0 ?

The ecoinvent data v2.0 contain harmonised international and industrial LCA data covering the following sectors: energy, transport, waste treatment, buildings, chemicals, detergents, graphical papers and agriculture.

Is there a fee to access the ecoinvent database ?

Registration is required to access the database. You may choose between a guest and a member status (see Registration).

Registered members have unlimited access to all datasets of the different data versions. They are able to access the information online and to choose datasets for download. The registration for members will be charged with a licence fee. A single user licence for the access to ecoinvent data v2.0 costs EUR 1'800.- (plus VAT).

Guests are able to carry out simple and advanced searches on the complete database content. They have free access to the meta information of all datasets of the ecoinvent data v2.0. Quantitative information about the inputs and outputs are not accessible for guests and they are not able to download datasets.

I want to work with Excel. How to proceed to get all ecoinvent data in Excel-format ?

Conversion of XML to Excel may take quite some time. If you intend to make your LCA calculations with Excel and you need the results files of all datasets, please use the Excel-Files available on the CD-ROM. There you find all LCI- and LCIA-results.

What are the conditions for multi-user licences ?

The first licence of a multi-user licence is charged like a single-user licence. The second and each extra licence costs 50% of the price of a single-user licence. See also the downloadable document "Terms of use" in the publication section.

I am a user of a commercial LCA software and interested in the ecoinvent data v2.0. How shall I proceed ?

Users of commercial LCA software (like EMIS, GaBi, Regis, SimaPro, Umberto etc.) please contact their supplier directly. Licences are also directly sold via LCA software providers. All ecoinvent data v2.0 are provided to them on a CD-ROM, which helps avoiding individual downloads of datasets from the ecoinvent database. See also Resellers.

I am interested in a few selected datasets. May I purchase them individually ?

ecoinvent datasets are not sold individually in order to reduce administrative costs. A valid licence entitles you to access the database and download datasets at any time and as many times as required. The licence will be valid for the current and all older versions of the ecoinvent data, i.e. for 2 to 3 years. You may even use the data after a new version is published. ecoinvent support and the access to the database via Internet is maintained if you decide to renew your licence.

I would like to present own data in the ecoinvent database. How shall I proceed ?

If you plan to compile LCI data compatible with the ecoinvent data and like to offer these data via the ecoinvent database, please contact the ecoinvent manager (frischknecht(at)ecoinvent(dot)ch).

What are the quality guidelines used to compile LCI data within the ecoinvent projects ?

The quality guidelines applied during data compilation are documented in the ecoinvent report No.1. It can be downloaded here.

How is data correctness and quality ensured ?

Data quality and correctness is achieved by a standardised five step validation process. The datasets and their documentation are reviewed by another participating institute. Datasets that are based on information received from industry partners or associations are submitted for final approvement.

Is it possible to model ones own product systems with ecoinvent ?

No, the ecoinvent database only allows for search, view and download of LCA datasets. If you intend to build up product systems for your own purpose, please use one of the commercial LCA software tools available. See also resellers.