Article

Top LCA software for 2025

Asha Ramachandran

Feb 24 2025 min read

Compare leading LCA software solutions by features, compliance, and use cases.

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Top LCA software 2025 | One Click LCA
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Why invest in LCA software?

Building life-cycle assessment (LCA) software helps you reduce costs, improve efficiency, and meet sustainability goals. With the right tool, you can:

  • Gain a competitive edge – Differentiate in the market by offering data-driven sustainability insights, meet growing demand for lower-carbon buildings, and win more projects.
  • Improve decision-making – Optimize material selection, building design, and project planning with centralized carbon data for easier reporting and collaboration.
  • Streamline the LCA process – Automate calculations, reduce reliance on consultants, lower costs, simplify environmental product declaration (EPD) creation, and improve data management.
  • Reduce environmental impact – Minimize embodied carbon, support green building practices, and cut emissions from the construction sector.
  • Maximize financial returns – Lower project costs, secure more bids, and make informed investment decisions by identifying emission hotspots and prioritizing decarbonization strategies.
  • Comply with regulations, standards, and certifications – Meet key building regulations, standards, and requirements worldwide, including EN 15978 and Level(s) in the EU, as well as commercial certifications like LEED, BREEAM, and more.

How to choose the right LCA software

Selecting the right LCA software ensures compliance, improves efficiency, and supports your sustainability goals. Here are the most important factors to evaluate:

  • Quality and coverage of the LCA database
  • Compliance with relevant regulations
  • Ease of use and implementation
  • Integration and automation capabilities
  • Speed of LCA and EPD creation
  • Capability for early-stage carbon assessments

Comparison of top 7 LCA software

1. One Click LCA 

One Click LCA provides the world's largest global LCA database with over 250,000 verified datasets, AI-powered automation for carbon assessments, and compliance with 80+ certifications, including LEED, BREEAM, and EN 15978. It integrates with 20+ BIM tools and supports early-stage carbon optimization through Carbon Designer 3D. One Click LCA is designed for versatility, serving a wide range of users from individual architects to large multinational firms.

Why choose One Click LCA?

 2. PRé Sustainability (SimaPro) 

SimaPro is used for LCA modeling, offering scenario analysis and regulatory-aligned assessments based on ISO 14067 and 14040. It is designed for expert users and allows data integration via an open API. However, its complexity can make it challenging for those new to LCA.

Why choose SimaPro?

  • Standards compliance – Supports ISO 14040, ISO 14044, ISO 14067, and EN 15804.
  • Scenario modeling – Allows comparisons for material selection and supply chain evaluation.
  • Access to LCA database –  Integrates with Ecoinvent and Agri-footprint, though coverage may be more limited for construction-specific applications.
  • Integration with corporate sustainability tools – Connects with ERP systems, CAD software, and supply chain management platforms for streamlined data exchange and reporting.
  • Cloud-based collaboration – Enables real-time data sharing and team collaboration through SimaPro Share & Collect.

3. Cerclos (eTool) 

eTool from Cerclos’s is an LCA software focused on compliance, designed for whole-building assessments, regulatory reporting, and life-cycle costing (LCC). It aligns with frameworks such as BREEAM, LEED, Green Star, and ISO standards. 

Why choose eTool?

  • Pre-configured LCA templates – Provides standardized models for assessments.
  • Integrated life cycle costing (LCC) – Supports BREEAM ‘LCC MAN02’ credits by combining environmental impact analysis with financial cost assessments.
  • Supply chain and material impact analysis – Identifies high-carbon materials and processes, helping teams implement effective decarbonization strategies.
  • Centralized data management for collaboration – Keeps all LCA and cost data in a single platform, reducing duplication and enabling seamless project coordination.

4. Makersite 

Makersite combines AI, digital twins, and automated LCA modeling to assess environmental, cost, and compliance risks across the supply chain. It supports cradle-to-gate impact assessments, EPD generation, and integration with ERP, PLM, and BIM systems via an open API. Makersite is primarily suited for supply chain analysis.

Why choose Makersite?

  • AI-driven LCA – Uses machine learning to automate LCA modeling.
  • Digital twin integration – Creates scalable, real-time supply chain models for cradle-to-gate impact assessment and regulatory compliance.
  • EPD generation – Leverages 150+ global databases to generate EPDs with minimal manual effort, reducing costs and improving efficiency.
  • Third-party integrations – Connects with BIM, PLM, and ERP systems via an open API, ensuring efficient data exchange across design and procurement workflows.
  • Regulatory compliance – Supports CSRD, ISO 14040/44, and ESG reporting, helping organizations meet global sustainability and supply chain due diligence requirements.

5. Sphera (GaBi) 

GaBi is an installed LCA software designed for large organizations that require integration with ERP and PLM systems for sustainability reporting and risk management. It includes an extensive database and automation capabilities but may require more setup and IT support compared to cloud-based solutions.

Why choose GaBi?

  • LCA database – Includes 20,000+ process datasets and 1,000+ pre-built models.
  • Automation and integration – Seamlessly connects with ERP, PLM, and procurement systems, automating data imports from supplier records and bills of materials.
  • Supply chain risk management – Helps organizations identify, analyze, and mitigate environmental and regulatory risks in global supply chains.
  • User-friendly – Offers an LCA Calculator for non-experts and a Training Center to support learning and adoption.
  • Regulatory compliance – Supports ISO 14040/44, EN 15804, CSRD, and ESG reporting, helping companies meet global sustainability regulations.

6. Preoptima 

Preoptima is an early-phase startup focused on whole-life carbon assessments and early-stage design evaluations. It aims to help architects and developers estimate embodied carbon before construction. Its AI-based platform provides basic impact analysis to support planning and regulatory alignment, though its capabilities are still evolving.

Why choose Preoptima?

  • AI-driven carbon assessments – Automates whole-life carbon analysis with built-in datasets, templates, and real-time impact calculations.
  • Regulatory compliance – Supports RICS Whole Life Carbon Assessment (WLCA) 2nd edition and other frameworks for early-stage compliance.
  • Design integration – Upcoming Revit and SketchUp plugins will allow direct imports of geometry and material data, improving efficiency and accuracy.
  • Scenario modeling  – Provides instant feedback on carbon impact, helping teams compare different materials, layouts, and structural options.
  • Supports net-zero strategies – Enables data-driven decision-making for carbon reduction, aligning with corporate ESG goals and decarbonization strategies.

Choosing the right LCA software depends on your needs — whether it’s early-stage carbon assessments, automated EPD generation, or supply chain analysis. Some tools focus on specific tasks, while others offer broader capabilities for compliance, data integration, and carbon impact assessment.

One Click LCA provides the most comprehensive solution. It offers AI-powered automation, the world’s largest LCA database with 250,000+ data points, and seamless integration with 20+ BIM and ERP systems. It supports early-stage carbon assessments, ensures compliance with 80+ global standards, streamlines carbon calculations for buildings and products, and simplifies EPD creation at scale.

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