Following this question.

Pablo Daniel Benítez Mongelós ,

Basically, common commercial software like SimaPro and GaBi would assist you for the analyses.

In case you are looking for free version, then you can use something like OpenLCA (which is similar to the above software but you have free access). However, you may need to purchase the databases.

Third option is in case you need to customize the program then use a software like Brightway2 (offer new possibilities, need Python knowledge). Then you may able to develop it in your own way.

https://www.researchgate.net/post/What_are_the_pros_and_cons_of_different_life_cycle_assessment_software_anything_about_midpoint_and_endpoint_modeling_in_LCA

good luck for you research

Amila

We have used SIMApro and OpenLCA for this kind of projects. both using EcoInvent as database. I find GABI to unflexible for most of the models I want to develop. E

SIMApro and OpenLCA will be fine, the latter is free. The problem in developing LCA are more in competences and data. As regards data I guess you have data from dwelling building up, use and end-of-life and you can use materials from Ecoinvent or ILCD database. As regard competencese, since you don't know any LCA software I guess you also don't know anyone who has enough competence on LCA to support you. This cuold be a real critical point in you work

I also think that SimaPro is the better and more flexible software. In some areas GABI has a more up to date data base compared to SimaPro which is based on ecoinvent. At least that's what I saw regarding the areas steel and concrete. But all in all I am very satisfied with SimaPro and ecoinvent.

Dear all, many thanks for your useful recommendations. I guess I will work with OpenLCA and EcoInvent.

Best regards!

Hi everyone and particularly P. Girardi from your answer, I am wondering if you would have an idea of the best data base to use for the analysis of a solar still while using openLCA. Thanks

Elizabeth Nomor, I think it depends on the data you're looking for. If you're working on a process-based LCA and need accurate, product-chain-specific data, you might have to get that data from your case study directly (for foreground processes). However, for background data, EcoInvent is probably a solid choice. EcoInvent is based in Switzerland, but their database "contains global supply chains for many products" and is often updated and well documented.

Having said that, I am unfamiliar with the specifics of solar stills, and some database might be better. For instance, depending on the geographical location of the solar stills, you might want to find databases that are more specific to your project. A good starting point might be to identify which databases are commonly used in similar studies in the literature. Cost might also be an important factor in your final decision - even if OpenLCA is free, several LCI databases (like EcoInvent) aren't.

Best regards!

Hi Charles Breton , I did download EcoInvent already, am glad you confirmed my need for it. It is processed based but I will only be simulating a designed model for now. The experimental phase would be in the future. Thanks for the tip.