Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a critical tool for evaluating the environmental impact of products, services, or processes throughout their life cycle. To meet this demand, several LCA tools have been developed to help businesses, researchers and policy makers analyze and optimize environmental performance. In this article, we compare four of the leading LCA tools: OneClick LCA, BM, Plant, and Anavitor LCA. We will evaluate them based on key criteria, as well as assess the training and support services offered.
When choosing an LCA software for you and your business, there are several key criteria that should be considered. First and foremost, you should look at how wide a range of LCA activities is covered by the software? Can it analyze products, buildings, transport, etc. In addition, usability, data quality and accessibility are important factors to consider .
It can also be smart to look at how the software integrates with other existing systems such as BIM or ERP (Enterprise resource planning) and whether it is compatible with national and international standards for LCA such as ISO 14040/44. And finally, of course, there is also a cost perspective to consider .
It is natural to consider the largest LCA tools on the market in this assessment. These all have large user groups and are well known in both the Nordic region and the rest of the world .
This solution is known for its comprehensive set of features aimed at the construction industry. It covers everything from carbon footprint calculations to LCA analysis and environmental product declarations (EPD). The software is designed to be user-friendly, with an intuitive user interface that enables both experts and novices to perform advanced analyses.
OneClick LCA offers a comprehensive database with global coverage, supporting national and international databases, ensuring reliable results and integrates easily with BIM tools such as Revit and Archicad, making it ideal for projects in the construction industry and compliant with several international standards including ISO 14040/44 and EN 15978.
They offer flexible pricing options, including licensing models based on project size and user type.
This is a specialized tool for LCA in the construction industry, with a clear focus on material analysis and energy efficiency. BM is relatively user-friendly, but requires some prior knowledge of LCA and building physics to fully utilize its potential.
The software provides access to detailed databases that support Swedish standards, and thus may have limitations in international coverage. It offers good integration possibilities with other BIM tools, especially within energy efficiency and environmental impact and is compatible with key national standards, and in some cases also with international LCA standards.
The cost of BM is competitive and it also offers specific licensing options for small and medium-sized projects.
Plant is a versatile LCA tool for the construction industry. It offers a comprehensive analysis of environmental impact throughout the value chain. This is a powerful tool, but it can also be challenging for users without a deep technical understanding of LCA. Its complex structure requires training for optimal use. Plant can calculate the environmental impact of a building using an .ifc model that retrieves all material consumption from the BIM model.
Here you'll find a solid database that covers a wide geographical range, but it may require manual updating to include the latest data. Integration possibilities are limited compared to other tools, but Plant supports some industry-specific systems. The software is compliant with relevant international LCA standards, but mainly covers Swedish requirements and regulations .
Plant is priced for larger companies and projects, with less flexible licensing options compared to some of its competitors.
This is an LCA tool that focuses on simplicity and quick implementation. It is ideal for small and medium-sized businesses that need basic LCA analysis without the complexity of highly advanced tools. The program is particularly well suited for architects and real estate developers .
This makes Anavitor very user-friendly, with a simple user interface that makes it easy to conduct analyses without extensive prior knowledge. The program offers a limited but relevant database, which is sufficient for less complex LCA projects.
Anavitor easily integrates with BIM such as a two-way integration with Archicad, and connects to local environmental databases. It supports the most important national and international standards such as ISO 14044.
Anavitor is very competitive on price, and is one of the more affordable LCA solutions on the market, especially for small and medium-sized businesses.
When it comes to training and support services, the offerings vary significantly between the different LCA tools:
OneClick LCA offers a wide range of training resources, including web-based courses, webinars, and an extensive library of documentation. They also have a dedicated customer support team that can help users with technical questions and problem solving.
BM offers training through workshops and face-to-face tutorials, with a focus on practical use of the software. Support services are robust, but may be less accessible to international users.
Plant provides extensive training opportunities, including in-person training, industry-specific workshops, and detailed user manuals, but only directly to its own customers. Support services are also robust but costly.
Anavitor focuses on simplicity and offers basic training videos and simple tutorials. In addition, they have good and accessible customer support .
Choosing the right LCA software depends on specific needs and resources. OneClick LCA stands out as a comprehensive tool for the construction industry with good integration and ease of use. BM and Plant are strong competitors in their respective specialty areas, with solid functionality for advanced users. Anavitor is a very good choice for smaller companies looking for a good and cost-effective solution to get started quickly.
Users should also consider training and support services, as these can be crucial to ensure a successful implementation of the software in the organization.