Learn more about our datasets and where the data comes from.
May 12th, 2025
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 that 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 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, sectoral, and methodological expertise, such as research institutes, academia, consultancies, or industry associations. Our team also supports individual researchers and companies who directly approach us with data they want to publish in ecoinvent. Finally, some projects are carried out internally by our small team of LCA experts.
Accordingly, 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.
More in-depth information about the contents of the ecoinvent database can be found in our Introduction to the Database.
New users should consult our support pages for Getting Started with ecoinvent.