Life Cycle Inventory Database
Read about the plan to achieve the goals of the LCI Database Project in the U.S. Life Cycle Inventory Database Roadmap
The U.S. Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) Database provides data related to the total energy and resource impacts of producing a material, component, or assembly. The Commercial Building Initiative funds ongoing research in life cycle assessments to expand the data available in the LCI Database.
Introduction to the Database
The LCI Database helps life cycle assessment experts determine the environmental impacts of an item over its entire life. Information is collected about commonly used materials, products, and processes from natural gas (combusted in an industrial boiler) to automotive painting (pretreatment). The data account for the total energy and material flows associated with an item.
The LCI Database was developed and is maintained by the U.S. Department of Energy and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) along with other partners. Visit the NREL Web site to:
- Learn more About the LCI Database Project.
- Read about the LCI Database data modules and register to access the database.
Uses of Life Cycle Inventory Data
LCI data are used to conduct life cycle assessments (LCAs) of products, processes and materials. LCAs can help manufacturers, building designers, and developers select materials for projects and shift their process to have the lowest life cycle environmental impact. These assessments can support the increased use of more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly materials, processes, and products. Learn more about life cycle assessments on the NREL Web site.
The LCI Database also can support rating and accounting systems, such as the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Green Building Rating System™, Green Globes, and Carbon Trust.
Benefits of Life Cycle Inventory Data
The LCI Database is easily accessible to the public and is a central source of critically reviewed, consistent, and transparent data. It allows users to objectively review and compare analysis results that are based on similar data collection and analysis methods. This common set of data, based on a single protocol, improves the quality and consistency of LCAs and makes them easier to perform.
U.S. Life Cycle Inventory Database Newsletter
Keep up to date on the latest database developments with the U.S. Life Cycle Inventory Database Newsletter.