Which EcoInvent database to download?

Question

I have purchased the EcoInvent database from OpenLCA Nexus. I see that there are a number of files and I am not sure what are the differences between them. For example, I have determined that I will use the cut-off allocation database. However, I see that there are three files:

I am not sure what are the differences between them – do I pick one or I need to combine them into one database?

Many thanks, have a nice day! =)

Answer 1

You can access all database options with a license, but usually you pick one for your project/analysis. Never mix different system models. The ecoinvent databases are named by:

ecoinvent_"version"_"system-model"_"datasets"_"other"

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version - "3.9.1" as an example

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system-model - "Cutoff": system model "Allocation, cutoff by classification"

system-model - "Consequential": system model "Substitution, consequential long-term"

system-model - "APOS": Allocation at the point of substitution 

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datasets - "UNIT": database with unit processes UPR (recommended)

datasets - "LCI": database with only system processes (fully aggregated life cycle inventories LCI) instead of unit processes

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other - "Regionalized": additionally to the "standard" ecoinvent database with unit processes, it is also possible to download the same databases with additional informations on the location (region-specific) of some elementary flows in the processes, where applicable (see the database implementation report for more information)

Comments

As I wrote above, the naming is referring to the system models of ecoinvent. You need to decide for yourself which system model is best suited or wanted for your study. Most users go with the Cutoff system model and the unit processes (to see the whole supply chain) and not regionalized. So you can go with "ecoinvent 3.10 Cutoff Unit-Processes.zolca". This is kind of the "default" database for ecoinvent, but "default" also depends here on the perspective of the LCA practicioner.

If you want to learn more about the system models you need to read about the methodology and manuals of ecoinvent.

https://support.ecoinvent.org/system-models

https://support.ecoinvent.org/e-learning-fundamentals-database