As sustainability and carbon footprint reduction takes center stage in the construction industry, the need for specialized software to aid architects and designers with Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) grows increasingly apparent. Having tools that provide more accurate data and present it in a useful and seamlessly transferable way is important to encourage sustainable practices in the construction industry.
But what are the best LCA software tools for architects and designers, and what are their features? Let’s explore some of the main contenders.
LCA for Experts, developed by Sphera, stands out as a versatile LCA software widely embraced within the manufacture and design industry. The software excels in providing architects and designers with a comprehensive platform for modeling the entire life cycle of a project. LCA for Experts' strengths lie in its adaptability across various industries and its commitment to delivering a user-friendly experience. This commitment is reflected in its intuitive interface, making complex life cycle assessments accessible to professionals.
SimaPro, developed by PRé Sustainability, is a powerful LCA software commonly employed in architecture and design. Renowned for its robust database and scenario analysis capabilities, SimaPro contributes significantly to sustainable design practices. The cornerstone feature of SimaPro is its database, encompassing an extensive range of materials and processes that provide users with a deep well of information for their analyses. Beyond a rich database, SimaPro stands out with its scenario analysis capabilities, allowing users to explore and evaluate the environmental footprints of different materials and processes under varying conditions.
OpenLCA, an open-source LCA software, presents a cost-effective and flexible solution for LCA practitioners and designers. As an open-source platform, OpenLCA embodies accessibility and affordability, offering professionals an accessible tool for conducting sustainable design assessments. Its modular design enhances flexibility, allowing users to customize the software to suit specific project requirements. OpenLCA's adaptability makes it suitable for diverse applications, and its open-source nature aligns with the ethos of transparency and collaboration.
Anavitor LCA, from Nordic BIM Group, aims to provide innovative software for conducting and handling LCA, with an extensive set of features in a user-friendly package. The software is developed with a keen understanding of the challenges currently faced in the industry, and is designed to meet the evolving needs of architects and designers in pursuit of sustainable construction. Anavitor LCA has a special focus on interoperability and compatibility and boasts a few additional features that are not seen in other LCA software, such as two-way integration for BIM and LCA.
The two-way integration for Building Information Modeling (BIM) and LCA is a standout feature of Anavitor LCA. Where traditionally other LCA software has only allowed for one-way transfer of data from BIM to LCA, Anavitor LCA allows you to import the data from LCA back into the BIM software, bridging the gap between the two.
This integration proves invaluable as architects and designers can now incorporate LCA data directly into the BIM model. This not only enhances the accuracy of environmental impact assessments but also empowers and eases continuous collaboration between different stakeholders involved in the project.
Anavitor LCA's sbXML (smart building extensible markup language) compatibility further elevates its capabilities. This feature allows for input of structured data from software applications that rely on the sbXML format, which are commonly seen during the actual construction phase of the project. With sbXML, Anavitor ensures interoperability, facilitating the smooth flow of information between various tools used in the architectural and design workflow.
See the full range of features - book a demo with us
To truly appreciate the innovations of Anavitor LCA, and its full list of features, it’s best to experience the software in a demo. We are eager to show our software to project leaders, architects, engineers, and other stakeholders in construction projects, and we are confident that our software will impress you.
Contact us today to book a demo, and see with your own eyes how Anavitor LCA can make a big difference for any construction project that aims for better sustainability and a lower environmental impact.