How to Select Most Suitable LCI Dataset?

[Jee Wei]

As a global user, if I can’t find a dataset specifically for my location, how do I find out which other dataset on eToolLCD is the most appropriate to use?

[admin]

Hi Jee,

Please refer to this article:

What LCI Data Sources Does eToolLCD Use

[Fei Ngeow]

Its an interesting question, the choice of the dataset in eTool actually generally makes little difference to the overall building LCA results. cement manufactured in the UK has almost exactly the same impacts as cement manufactured in the US. Even though our grids are different and likely more transport impacts in the US there are many other processes that remain largely the same.
There is also the globalisation of economies meaning that the majority of materials manufactured in many countries are exported to other countries. So although the UK dataset has regionalised data for say steel, approx 70% of our steel could be imported from other countries. Therefore, if your location doesn’t have a specific LCI dataset for it, the Global dataset will probably be close enough.