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In today’s world, businesses face growing pressure to be environmentally responsible. But how can companies actually measure and reduce their environmental footprint? This is where Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) software comes in. LCA software helps organizations understand the environmental impact of their products from start to finish—and offers insights to make them greener. With a growing number of LCA tools available, choosing the right one can be challenging. This guide breaks down what LCA software does, how to select the right solution, and the top platforms leading the way in 2025.

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What & Why: LCA Software

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What is LCA Software?

LCA software is a tool that tracks a product’s environmental impact across its entire lifecycle—from raw material extraction and manufacturing to usage and disposal. By revealing where resources, energy, and emissions are concentrated, businesses can make smarter, data-driven sustainability decisions.

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Why is LCA Software Important?

With sustainability regulations tightening and consumer expectations rising, LCA software has become a vital tool for companies committed to reducing their impact. It not only identifies environmental hotspots but also supports eco-design, materials optimization, and regulatory compliance. Conducting LCAs is often necessary for certifications such as Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) or Product Environmental Footprints (PEFs), and for meeting ISO sustainability standards.

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Key Selection Criteria

Choosing the right LCA platform depends on your organization’s goals, size, and technical expertise. Here are the main factors to consider:
Determine whether you need a professional-grade tool or an intuitive platform accessible to beginners.
Some tools, like Sustainly, bridge this gap by offering AI-assisted workflows that make LCAs faster and easier for both experts and newcomers.
Choose a tool that ensures reliable data and integrates with your existing systems.
This ensures consistency and enhances decision-making accuracy.
Each industry has unique sustainability metrics. Tools like Sustainly, SimaPro, and LCA for experts allow for tailored models and workflows, ensuring assessments fit your specific products or regions.
The right tool should align with international sustainability standards and methodologies—helping you stay compliant as regulations evolve.
Sustainability and compliance landscapes change quickly. Choose a software provider with continuous updates and innovation to future-proof your workflow.

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Top Tools

Here’s an overview of the leading LCA software solutions available today.

SimaPro logoSimaProBest for: LCA professionals and research institutionsOverview: SimaPro is a proven, highly customizable software traditionally favored in academia and research.✅Pros: Proven track record, detailed modeling, broad database support.
❌Cons: Limited collaboration features, steep learning curve, not ideal for large teams.

LCA for experts (formerly GaBi) logoLCA for experts (GaBi)Best for: Experts requiring deep access to proprietary datasetsOverview: A robust tool combining advanced modeling with industry-specific databases.✅Pros: Strong databases, flexible configurations, multi-user capabilities.
❌Cons: Complex to use, high cost, limited scalability.

OpenLCA logoOpenLCABest for: Independent practitioners and educatorsOverview: The only open-source professional LCA tool—ideal for users comfortable with manual workflows.✅Pros: Transparent, highly flexible, no license costs.
❌Cons: Limited scalability, complex setup, lacks collaboration tools.

Sustainly logoSustainlyBest for: Businesses seeking scalable, transparent, and AI-driven sustainability workflowsOverview: Sustainly makes LCAs accessible to everyone—enabling teams to measure and manage sustainability data in one shared system.
✅Pros: Transparent AI, scalable data system, collaborative company hub, fast onboarding.
❌Cons: Not limited to a single niche—designed for broad applicability across industries.

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Data Collection Tips

Data collection remains one of the biggest hurdles in any LCA process. High-quality data ensures reliable results, but gathering it can be time-consuming. Here’s how to make it more efficient:
1

Collaborate with Suppliers

Work closely with suppliers using shared templates and consistent data formats to ensure complete datasets.
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Use Software with Centralized Data

Platforms like Sustainly simplify data management by connecting existing ERP, PLM, and design systems into one sustainability data hub.
3

Empower Your Team

Onboard your team with clear guidance and collaborative tools so everyone contributes effectively to sustainability data collection.

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Implementation Tips

Rolling out new sustainability software takes planning. Follow these steps for a smooth transition:
1

Prepare Your Team

Offer training and resources to build confidence in using the software across departments.
2

Customize to Fit Your Workflow

Configure your assessments and reporting structure to align with your organization’s needs and sustainability goals.
3

Standardize Reporting

Use built-in reporting features to ensure consistent sustainability metrics and easier communication with stakeholders.

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FAQs

What is LCA software used for?

LCA software evaluates a product’s environmental impact across its lifecycle—helping businesses identify where improvements can reduce emissions, energy use, and waste.

Which LCA software is best for experts?

Sustainly empowers experts with scalable workflows and transparent data handling. OpenLCA remains a strong alternative for those seeking an open-source approach.

How does LCA software help with data collection?

The right software structures and automates data collection, ensuring accuracy and traceability across all sustainability activities.

What industries benefit most from LCA software?

LCA benefits any company producing physical goods—especially in manufacturing, construction, and consumer products—by enabling measurable sustainability performance.

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Final Thoughts

The future of Life Cycle Assessment software is defined by automation, transparency, and scalability. As AI and sustainability analytics evolve, businesses can expect faster insights, predictive capabilities, and seamless reporting. Tools like Sustainly lead this shift by combining transparent AI with centralized sustainability data, empowering teams across departments to collaborate and make informed, data-driven decisions. Whether you’re just starting your sustainability journey or scaling company-wide assessments, choosing the right tool will define how efficiently and effectively you can act on your environmental goals. Ready to take the next step? Invest in a sustainability analysis software that helps you measure, manage, and minimize your environmental impact—all in one place.