openLCA Software Training and Support

Life cycle assessment—the process to model the comprehensive life cycle impacts of supply chains—typically requires use of a specialized software platform to quantify and connect potentially thousands of environmental flows. Many LCA software platforms require users to purchase a license, and many platforms dictate which underlying secondary supply chain data can be used for modeling. In contrast, openLCA software (a widely used open-source software developed by GreenDelta) provides a valuable alternative for LCA modeling. Not only is openLCA free to use, but it also serves as the software platform for the Federal LCA Commons and its USLCI database, which include many of the free-to-use and publicly available life cycle data representative of U.S.-based processes. In addition, openLCA users can easily access many of the most common life cycle databases formatted specifically for openLCA by using the openLCA nexus platform. Because of these benefits, many organizations and individuals would like to learn how to use openLCA effectively and then continue to increase their proficiency over time. 

ERG provides training and consulting services to help clients achieve these goals. We serve as the USA partner for openLCA and we curate the Federal LCA Commons and its USLCI database. Our certified openLCA trainers for the North American market provide customized virtual and classroom training for organizations and individuals interested in using openLCA as their LCA software platform. We provide openLCA basic and advanced training, including multi-day training when appropriate. Topics typically covered during our basic training include: 

• Intro to openLCA
• Import and export of databases and datasets
• Creating flows and processes
• Creating product systems
• Results analysis and interpretation
• Flow mapping
• Interactive exercises
• Resources for openLCA support

ERG LCA experts are also available as consultants to support clients in applying openLCA in their projects—for example, in using onlineLCA to develop customized web-based tools. Contact openlca@erg.com to learn more.