Use predefined SimaPro models for LCA

Modelling requires you to make a lot of choices about secondary data, model completeness, allocation, end-of-life, and many other topics. Therefore, it can take a lot of time to build your first model. To ease the learning curve and quickly start in LCA, you can buy and import predefined inventory models to SimaPro. You can choose from two options for purchase:

• Standard. We and our global SimaPro partners have a library of readily available models for a variety of products. These models can be adapted to your situation.
• Custom-built. If no models are available that fit your specific situation, we can build for you a customized model.

Models might be provided for your SimaPro software package (offline) or the related online add-ons.

A few examples of such models are described below. For purchase or if you are looking for a model for a specific product or service, please contact us directly.

EPD (environmental product declaration)

Easily import results from environmental product declarations to model the impacts of your own products and services.

ESU-services has developed a parameterized dataset for import to SimaPro. With the help of the EPD Importer, EPD results calculated with the EN 15804 + A2 assessment method can be easily replicated in SimaPro. The calculation takes also into account the double counting of single elementary flows for different impact indicators. All that is required is to replace the default parameter values for each single LCIA results with the EPD results you are interested in. The dataset is provided in CSV format and can also be copied to do this for several different EPD results. The tool is sold for 300 €/CHF.

A simple LCA model to calculate the environmental impacts of different beverage cups. Enter the weight of materials and the model calculates for you the impacts of production and disposal.

You like to drink mineral water or tap water at home or in restaurants? The environmental impacts are quite dependent on the type of bottle and the transport distances. With this model you can easily assess the environmental impacts for a range of several options.

Food miles are getting a common phrase. But, the environmental impacts of transporting do not only depend on the distance  but also on the mode of transport. With this model it is easy to analyse and compare different transport chains over the full life cycle by entering the distance covered with different vehicles.

You know your electricity mix? Then, it is easy to calculate also the environmental impacts per kWh. Just use this parameterized model where you can enter the share of different types of electricity generation.

Environmental impacts of milk products depend on the processing in the dairy. The complex model subdivided the processing in several stages and allows a detailed evaluation of improvement options in the dairy process. Furthermore, it allocates the impacts to the single products.