FAQs
Check our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for fast answers to common issues.
Click through this list of contents to be taken to your question.
Using the ecoinvent Database
- What is available in the ecoinvent database?
- Where does the data in the ecoinvent database come from?
- How do I find and view datasets in ecoQuery?
- What should I do if I cannot find the dataset I need?
- What are system models? Which impact assessment methods are available, and how do I select one?
- Why did my impact results change when I switched ecoinvent version/system model/LCIA method?
- Which impact assessment methods are available, and how do I select one?
- Can you recommend which dataset or system model to use for my study?
- How does ecoinvent approach land use and land use change-related emissions (FLAG emissions)?
- How are biogenic carbon flows accounted for?
- How can I use ecoinvent data for Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 greenhouse gas reporting?
Software Integration & Downloads
- How do I import ecoinvent data into my LCA software (e.g. SimaPro, openLCA, Brightway)?
- How should I map my data to ecoinvent processes and flows?
- How do I download datasets and related files or reports from ecoQuery?
Submitting Data to ecoinvent
- How can I submit my own datasets to ecoinvent?
- Which ecoinvent license do I need for my use case?
- What data or results can I share with collaborators under my license?
- How do renewals and upgrades work between versions?
- Which licenses include access to EN15804 datasets and system models?
Accounts & Access
- How do I log in and access the ecoinvent database and ecoQuery?
- I cannot log in or have lost access. How do I restore access?
- How do I activate a new license?
- How do I link a new license to my account or organization?
- Why can’t I see / download a specific version of the database that my license should cover?
Using the ecoinvent Database
What is available in the ecoinvent database?
The ecoinvent database contains over 20,000 life cycle inventory (LCI) datasets covering activities and products across sectors like energy, transport, agriculture, chemicals, waste management, and more. A full list of activities is available in the v3.12 Database Overview file.
Learn more here: What is Available in the ecoinvent Database
Where does the data in the ecoinvent database come from?
Data enters the database through external collaborations with research institutes, academia, and industry, as well as direct submissions from individual researchers or companies. All datasets undergo internal and external expert review before publication.
Learn more here: What is Available in the ecoinvent Database and About Sources, Citation, and Confidential Datasets
How do I find and view datasets in ecoQuery?
Log in to ecoQuery, select a version and system model, then use the search bar and filters (sector, geography, activity type, ISIC class) to find datasets. The v3.12 Database Overview file also helps identify the correct activity and product names.
Learn more here: Searching for Datasets in ecoQuery
What should I do if I cannot find the dataset I need?
Start by consulting the v3.12 Database Overview file to check whether the dataset exists under a different name or in a different system model. If you find a relevant dataset, open it in ecoQuery and review the documentation to assess whether it fits your needs. If the exact product is absent, you may consider using one of the available datasets as a proxy, or creating your own dataset using an ecoinvent dataset as a starting point.
What are system models? Which impact assessment methods are available, and how do I select one?
System models define the methodological rules used to calculate life cycle inventories (LCIs) from unit processes (UPRs) — specifically how multi-output activities are handled (via allocation or substitution) and how supply chains are linked. Four system models are available: cut-off, EN15804, APOS, and consequential. The choice of system model is the user's responsibility.
Learn more here: System Models and About Different System Models and the Key Concepts Applied, UPR, LCI and LCIA.
Why did my impact results change when I switched ecoinvent version/system model/LCIA method?
LCIA scores depend on dataset boundaries and exchange amounts, supply chain linking, and characterization factors — all of which may differ between versions, system models, or impact assessment methods. A Change Report is published with each new database version and is publicly available on the relevant release page. A more detailed Change Report Annex is also available for licensees in the Files section of ecoQuery.
Learn more here: About Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA)
Which impact assessment methods are available, and how do I select one?
ecoinvent implements a range of LCIA methods including IPCC 2021, EF v3.1, ReCiPe 2016, CML, TRACI, and others. The full list with details is in the LCIA Implementation report, publicly available on the relevant release page. The choice of method depends on the goal and scope of your study — ecoinvent does not prescribe which method to use.
Learn more here: Impact Assessment and Guidance on IPCC Methods
Can you recommend which dataset or system model to use for my study?
The choice of dataset, system model, and impact assessment method depends on the goal and scope of your specific study—this is the responsibility of the practitioner conducting the LCA. We can confirm what data exists and how it's structured, but we don't provide modeling recommendations or validate methodological choices for individual studies. For project-specific modelling guidance, you may consider consulting an independent LCA expert—a list of partners who work with ecoinvent data is available on our partners page.
Learn more here: System Models, About Different System Models and the Key Concepts Applied, Impact Assessment
How does ecoinvent approach land use and land use change-related emissions (FLAG emissions)?
Land use change (LUC) emissions in the agricultural sector are modelled following the PAS2050-1/ENVIFOOD protocol. FLAG-specific emission values for agricultural datasets are available as a supporting file on ecoQuery (‘LUC-FLAG Emissions in Agriculture v3.12.xlsx’). This file includes FLAG emissions related to LUC only. Land management–related emissions are inventoried directly in the crop production datasets and need to be extracted separately from those datasets. Forestry datasets do not currently account for FLAG emissions.
Learn more here: Agriculture, Fishery and Animal Husbandry
How are biogenic carbon flows accounted for?
Biogenic carbon dioxide uptake and release are characterized as 0/0 by default in the "IPCC 2021" method. For standards that require -1/+1 characterization (e.g., ISO 14067, EN 15804), the complementary "IPCC 2021 (incl. biogenic CO2)" method is available — it should not be used as a stand-alone method, and scores including biogenic CO₂ should be handled with care.
Learn more here: Guidance on IPCC Methods
How can I use ecoinvent data for Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 greenhouse gas reporting?
The GHG Protocol divides emissions into three scopes: Scope 1 (direct emissions from owned or controlled sources), Scope 2 (purchased energy), and Scope 3 (all other value chain emissions). ecoinvent data is primarily relevant for Scope 2 and 3 reporting, providing secondary activity data and regional average LCIA scores to fill data gaps. A dedicated spreadsheet with electricity emission factors is available in ecoQuery (electricity emission factors – scope 2 – 3.xlsx).
Learn more here: Scope 2 and 3 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emission Reporting.
Software Integration & Downloads
How do I import ecoinvent data into my LCA software (e.g. SimaPro, openLCA, Brightway)?
The ecoinvent database is integrated in all leading LCA software tools. If you access ecoinvent through a software reseller, the database is incorporated directly into the tool — contact your software provider for guidance on importing or updating it. For direct integration, ecoinvent data is available in ecoSpold2 format, downloadable from ecoQuery.
Learn more here: ecoinvent and LCA Software Tools and About ecoinvent Data Formats.
How should I map my data to ecoinvent processes and flows?
The v3.12 Database Overview is the recommended starting point for identifying the right dataset. Reviewing the dataset documentation in ecoQuery helps confirm whether the process scope and geography fit your needs. If you are migrating from a previous version, the Correspondence File — available on the relevant release page — maps datasets between consecutive versions. For software-level ID mapping, the Change Report Annex is also available for licensees in ecoQuery.
How do I download datasets and related files or reports from ecoQuery?
Individual datasets can be exported from ecoQuery in ecoSpold2 format via the Export section of any dataset page. Full database files, LCIA results, and supporting documents are available in the Files section of ecoQuery for licensees. Additional information for selected projects can be found in the Reports section.
Learn more here: Downloading a Dataset in ecoQuery and Files in ecoQuery.
Submitting Data to ecoinvent
How can I submit my own datasets to ecoinvent?
To submit datasets, fill in the Contact Us form with your name, organisation, and a brief description of the type of data you want to submit. ecoinvent will follow up to discuss the details, provide access to the data creation tool ecoEditor, and coordinate the editorial review. All submitted datasets undergo independent expert review before publication. Data authors retain copyright and are credited in the published dataset.
Learn more here: Data Submission Process and ecoEditor.
Which ecoinvent license do I need for my use case?
Use the license calculator to identify the right option for your use case. Learn more about all license types and pricing.
What data or results can I share with collaborators under my license?
Calculated results (e.g., a carbon footprint) can be shared statically with non-licensees, for example in a PDF report. Sharing results through a tool or application requires an additional sublicensing agreement. Raw database data cannot be shared.
Learn more here: ecoinvent End-User License Agreement (EULA)
How do renewals and upgrades work between versions?
New licenses purchased from April 1, 2025 onwards are annual subscriptions tied to the latest version of the database at the time of purchase, and must be renewed each year to maintain access. Existing perpetual license holders can continue to renew their maintenance to access newer versions via a paid upgrade. Renewals and upgrades can be managed via your account.
Learn more here: About Licenses and Pricing
Which licenses include access to EN15804 datasets and system models?
The "Allocation, cut-off, EN15804" system model is available as an add-on to all license types. It is not included by default — please contact us via the Contact Us form to add it to your license.
Learn more here: Licenses and System Models
Account & Access
How do I log in and access the ecoinvent database and ecoQuery?
Once you have a license, log in to ecoQuery using your credentials. If you purchased through a software partner (e.g., SimaPro, openLCA), you may have been assigned a default username — check the login guide for examples and instructions on how to personalise it. The database can also be accessed directly through your LCA software tool.
Learn more here: How to Login and Access the ecoinvent Database.
I cannot log in or have lost access. How do I restore access?
If you have forgotten your username, contact sales@ecoinvent.org with your name and organisation. For password resets, use the forgotten password option on the ecoQuery login page. If your access has expired or been revoked, contact sales@ecoinvent.org to check your license status.
How do I activate a new license?
After purchasing a license directly from ecoinvent, you will receive an email with activation instructions. Log in to your account to complete the activation. If you purchased through a software partner, your license is activated by the partner—contact them directly.
How do I link a new license to my account or organization?
License linking is managed via your account. If you are unable to link a license or need help associating it with your organisation, contact sales@ecoinvent.org.
Why can’t I see / download a specific version of the database that my license should cover?
Access to specific versions depends on your license type. Annual subscription licenses give access to the current latest version only. If you hold a legacy perpetual license, you have access to the version at the time of purchase, plus any versions covered by subsequent maintenance renewals. If you believe your license should cover a version you cannot access, contact sales@ecoinvent.org.
Learn more here: About Licenses and Pricing