Feb 1st, 2024
Is a Test Version of the Database Available?
We do not offer a test version of the database. However, you can create a free guest user account.
As an unlicensed user, you can freely access documentation for all datasets in the ecoinvent database. We provide two example datasets on our website, which will give you an impression of what the linked datasets contain.
Check out our support guide to discover which datasets are available in all the system models.
Which Datasets are available in the ecoinvent Database?
To get a comprehensive overview of all datasets contained in the ecoinvent database, we provide a database overview file.
See How Can I Access the Database?
The ecoinvent database can be accessed on ecoQuery as well as through leading software tools.
Where Does the Data in the ecoinvent Database Come From?
There are multiple paths through which data can find its way into the ecoinvent database; in all cases, ecoinvent obtains the right to publish the data non-exclusively, but the data creator remains the data owner.
Most of our inventory datasets are generated in data collection projects dedicated to specific economic sectors and countries or regions. To realize these projects, we commonly collaborate with external global partners with local, sectorial, and methodological expertise, such as research institutes, academia, consultancies, or industry associations. Our team also supports individual researchers or companies directly approaching us with data they want to publish in ecoinvent. Finally, some projects are carried out internally by our small team of LCA experts.
Accordingly, also the sources our data relies on are diverse. Where possible, our external partners will provide primary data, for example, from field visits or interviews. Secondary data are preferably sourced from publicly available statistics, peer-reviewed scientific literature, and databases complemented with other public (industry) data such as company reports, emission registers, etc.
Regardless of the type of data collection, all datasets undergo a thorough review from internal and independent external experts to ensure they fulfill ecoinvent quality and transparency requirements before they are published in the database.