Sustainly, on the other hand, reimagines the process — focusing on automation, ease of use, and accessibility for both professionals and students who need reliable, fast sustainability insights.
⚙️ Feature Comparison
| Capability | Sustainly | GaBi |
|---|---|---|
| Ease of use | ✅ Easy and fast to learn | ⚙️ Complex, expert-oriented |
| Automation and AI | Transparent AI for data mapping | Limited automation |
| Student access | 🎓 Yes | Restricted academic access |
| Workflow setup | Cloud-based and scalable | Installed, enterprise-managed |
| Databases | EU Environmental Footprint data included; optional extensions | Proprietary enterprise libraries |
| EPD workflows | Built-in EN 15804 structure with verifier access | Strong, but manual setup required |
| Integrations | API-ready; connects to PLM, ERP, and design tools | Enterprise integration suite |
| Collaboration | Shared company hub for cross-department work | Enterprise governance model |
| Total cost of ownership | 💡 Low for SMEs and academic users | High, suited for corporate budgets |
🚀 Where Sustainly Leads
Sustainly is built around the idea that Life Cycle Assessment should be accessible, fast, and transparent — not reserved for experts.Its AI-assisted workflows automate repetitive steps like unit harmonization, material mapping, and input validation, cutting down the time it takes to get from data to decision. For small and mid-sized businesses, this means credible results with minimal setup.
For students, it means access to a professional-grade sustainability platform at no cost — ideal for learning and project work.
🏢 Where GaBi Excels
GaBi remains a strong choice for enterprises that need advanced modeling depth and extensive governance controls.It’s built for teams that already have dedicated LCA experts, well-established workflows, and the resources to manage complex setups.
Its extensive proprietary databases and integration options make it particularly powerful for large organizations handling multiple product lines.
🧩 Best Fit by Use Case
| Use Case | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Fast product footprinting | Sustainly |
| Verified EPD creation | Both (Sustainly faster to start) |
| Enterprise-scale data management | GaBi |
| Academic or student learning | Sustainly |
| AI-supported modeling automation | Sustainly |
✅ Final Takeaway
Both tools deliver reliable environmental modeling — but they serve different audiences. GaBi is built for large organizations with expert LCA teams and established infrastructure.Sustainly offers a faster, more collaborative path for students, SMEs, and growing sustainability teams — combining transparent AI, centralized data, and built-in EPD workflows in one intuitive platform. If your priority is speed, simplicity, and scalability, Sustainly is the smarter choice.
If you need enterprise control and legacy integration, GaBi still holds its ground.
For students and teams ready to move from spreadsheets to smart sustainability — Sustainly brings LCA within reach.