Ecoinvent

Ecoinvent is a global life cycle inventory database used to perform life cycle assessments (LCAs). It provides a comprehensive collection of process data describing the inputs and outputs associated with the production, use, and end-of-life stages of products and services. The data are organized as unit processes and aggregated into broader modules, covering sectors such as energy, materials, agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, and waste management. Each dataset is documented with a functional unit, system boundaries, and accompanying information on data quality and data sources to support transparency and comparability.

Managed by the ecoinvent Association, a non-profit organization based in Switzerland, the database is produced through a collaborative effort of academic institutions, industry partners, and consultants from around the world. Since its early versions, ecoinvent has released multiple major updates that expand coverage, harmonize modelling conventions, and improve data quality. The data are designed to be used with standard LCA software and can be exported in ILCD-compatible formats for use in tools such as SimaPro, GaBi, and openLCA.

Ecoinvent datasets aim to reflect typical, representative production systems rather than single plants, and include uncertainty information and, where possible, ranges for key parameters. The repository informs comparative LCAs, environmental product declarations, and policy analysis. Access to data is governed by licensing terms; the database is widely used in academia and industry, but it is not open data and requires a license for most uses, with separate terms that may apply for academic or research use.