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The 6 best alternatives to SimaPro software in 2025

Updated on
April 28, 2025

These are the 6 best alternatives to SimaPro software in 2025:

  1. Dcycle
  2. GaBi
  3. OpenLCA
  4. Air.e LCA
  5. Umberto
  6. Eco-it

Looking for SimaPro software alternatives has become common for many companies that want to measure their impact effectively, without getting tangled in endless, slow or unusable solutions without external help.

SimaPro has been on the market for years, but it's not always what you need if you're looking for agility, clear data and actionable results.

The reality is, today we face different challenges: tight deadlines, limited resources, and the need to comply with regulations without falling into analysis paralysis.

Do we want to know the impact of our products? Yes.
Do we want to do it quickly, without relying on technicians for every step? Also yes.

Fortunately, there are simpler, more up-to-date solutions designed for the real daily life of a company.
Tools that let you measure, understand and act without adding more complexity to your operations.

Throughout this article, we’ll look at the options on the table, the advantages they offer over SimaPro, and how to choose the one that best fits your needs.

6 SimaPro Software Alternatives You Should Have on Your Radar

1. Dcycle

Dcycle is not a traditional software.
It’s a comprehensive digital solution for companies that want to launch an ESG strategy without complications.

We’re not consultants or auditors.
We’re a platform designed so that any team, with or without technical experience, can measure, manage and communicate its impact in a clear, reliable and fast way.

What does Dcycle offer?

We collect all your ESG data (environmental, social and governance) from various internal and external sources.

We give you a single source of truth, from which you can report to any use case: EINF, CSRD, SBTi, Taxonomy, ISOs... whatever you need.

You don't need to know about sustainability.
The solution guides the process and generates reports automatically.

Results ready to share with clients, investors or regulators.

You avoid errors and duplications, gaining time and confidence.

And yes, you can measure the carbon footprint of your products without spending weeks in Excel or hiring five more people.

In short: if you’re looking for more than a tool to calculate emissions, and need a solution that integrates with your business and helps it grow, this is one of the most complete.

2. GaBi

GaBi is one of the most veteran platforms in the LCA world.
It has a very powerful database and allows precise modeling of complex products and processes.

Ideal for:

  • Teams with a technical profile

  • Projects that need advanced modeling

  • Cases where detail is key

That said, the learning curve is demanding and may require external support to fully benefit from it.

3. OpenLCA

OpenLCA is an open-source alternative that offers total flexibility for those who want to build their own LCA models.

Best features:

  • It’s free and has no licensing costs

  • Compatible with multiple databases, including Ecoinvent and Agribalyse

  • You can customize nearly everything

But it’s meant for those who already know what they’re doing or have time to learn.

4. Air.e LCA

Air.e LCA is designed for those who need fast results.
It has a nimble interface and focuses on usability and speed.

Key advantages:

  • Real-time results

  • Ideal for ecodesign projects

  • Direct access to databases like Ecoinvent

If you need to make quick iterations, this may be a good option.

5. Umberto

Umberto combines clear visualization with a rigorous approach.
It allows you to graphically represent processes and easily understand where the critical points are.

Highlights:

  • Visual models for LCA

  • Good approach to combine environmental and economic data

  • Recommended if you're interested in life cycle cost, not just environmental impact

6. Eco-it

Eco-it is a lighter and more accessible option, designed for designers or small businesses that want to get started with LCA without complications.

What does it offer?

  • Very simple interface

  • Ideal for products and packaging

  • You can compare materials and processes without having to model from scratch

A good entry point for those who don't need a complex system, but want to make decisions with data

What Is SimaPro and Why Has It Been a Reference?

For years, SimaPro has been one of the most well-known tools for conducting Life Cycle Assessments (LCA).

A technical, comprehensive solution, widely used in sectors that need to calculate impacts in great detail.

But that doesn’t mean it’s the ideal option for everyone.
In fact, many companies are already looking at more agile alternatives, better suited to today's demands.

A Software Focused on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

SimaPro is designed to calculate the environmental impact of products or processes throughout their entire life cycle.

From the extraction of raw materials to the end of use.

It allows you to model each phase of the process, use international databases, and generate technical reports.
The focus is clear: detail and depth in calculation.

Its Main Functions and What It’s Typically Used For

Among its main functions are:

  • Modeling complex processes and supply chains

  • Conducting cradle-to-grave assessments

  • Accessing databases like Ecoinvent

  • Comparing design scenarios and decisions

It’s widely used in industrial or manufacturing sectors, especially when the goal is to deeply analyze a product.

Advantages That Made It Popular in Sustainability

So, why has it been so widely used?

  • Accuracy and reliability in calculations

  • Flexibility to model any type of process

  • A large technical community backing it

  • Common reference in standards like ISO 14040 and 14044

Its technical focus has been useful in environments where detailed figures are required to justify impact.

4 Reasons Why Some Companies Look for Alternatives

Now then, why are many companies looking for alternatives?
Here are some common reasons we often hear.

1. Licensing and Maintenance Costs

SimaPro is not exactly cheap.
For small companies or teams without technical backgrounds, the investment can be hard to justify.

Plus, you have to add the cost of databases or extra modules.

2. Learning Curve and Usage Complexity

It’s not a system designed for users without technical experience.
Learning to use it takes time, and often you need external support.

This discourages many teams who just want to understand their impact and act quickly.

3. Limited Integration with Other ESG Systems

SimaPro is good for LCA, but it’s not built to handle the entire ESG ecosystem.
It doesn’t easily connect with platforms that centralize data for EINF, CSRD or SBTi.

And that’s where it starts to fall short: the data exists, but you can’t use it across all your reports or decisions.

4. Excessive Focus on LCA Without Adaptability to Frameworks Like CSRD or SBTi

Today, sustainability isn’t just about LCA.

We need solutions that allow us to gather all ESG information and turn it into action: from reports to reduction targets.

If the solution doesn’t adapt to new regulatory frameworks, it’s not useful.
And many companies can no longer afford systems that cover only one part of the process.

Can we relax? Not quite.

Regulatory and market pressure is increasing, and if we can’t use our data for everything, we’re already behind.

4 Things You Should Consider When Comparing ESG Options

Not all ESG solutions are the same.
And if we’re going to take this seriously, we need something that works well from day one, not in six months.

These are the four key aspects we should look at before deciding.

1. Level of Automation and Connectivity with Your Data Sources

If you have to enter everything manually, you’re already late.
An ESG solution must connect to your systems and gather the information automatically.

The less time we spend searching for data, the faster we can act.

2. Compatibility with Regulatory Frameworks (CSRD, Taxonomy, ISOs, etc.)

Measuring just for the sake of measuring is useless.
We need ESG data that can be used directly to comply with regulations like CSRD, the Taxonomy or the ISOs.

And if the solution doesn’t support that, better look elsewhere.

3. Scalability and Ease of Use for Different Teams

This isn’t just about sustainability.
Finance frameworks, operations, procurement... everyone has a role.

We need a solution that different teams can use without endless training or technical profiles.

4. Ability to Generate Insights and Useful Visualizations

Having data is good, but if we don’t understand what to do with it, it’s worthless.
The tool should help us spot patterns, detect risks, and make clear decisions.

We need simple dashboards, automated reports, and visuals that speak in business language.

Dcycle: The ESG Solution That Adapts to Your Business, Not the Other Way Around

At Dcycle, we don’t believe in closed solutions that force you to change how you work.

We adapt to you.

We collect all your ESG information, no matter where it comes from.

We centralize it in a single space, accessible and easy to manage.

We distribute it based on the use case you need, without duplicating efforts or losing data.

Report with One Click to EINF, CSRD, SBTi and More

Do you need to create a CSRD report?
Or comply with SBTi?
Or prepare an EINF?

With Dcycle, you don’t have to redo the work.
You select the use case and generate what you need directly from the platform.

The Competitive Advantage: Sustainability as a Strategic Driver

This is not just about compliance.

If we collect ESG data and use it correctly, we can cut costs, enter new markets, and position ourselves better with clients and investors.

Sustainability, well managed, is a business advantage.
And if you’re not measuring it, you’re falling behind. It’s that simple.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What’s the Best Alternative to SimaPro Software for Starting from Scratch?

If you’re starting out, the most important thing is that the solution is easy to use, automates tasks, and gives you results without needing to be an LCA expert.

There are several options on the market, but what you need is one that centralizes your information and can be used across all ESG use cases.

Which ESG Software Is Most Compatible with Frameworks Like CSRD or SBTi?

Many focus only on impact calculations.

But if we want something that truly helps us report for CSRD, SBTi or the Taxonomy, we need a solution that doesn’t stop at the technical data.

It must understand the regulatory framework and adapt to it without you having to redo everything from scratch.

Can I Migrate My Data from SimaPro to Another Platform?

Yes, in most cases.

What matters is that the new solution can read or import your previous models and data without losing information.

That said, it’s worth checking what formats it accepts and what processes are automated in that migration.

What Kind of Companies Usually Look for Alternatives to SimaPro?

Mainly those that have grown, have more regulatory requirements, or need several teams to work with the same data.

Also, many companies that don’t want to depend on external consultants for every report or update.

In short: companies that see sustainability as part of the business, not just another report.

How Do I Know If I Need a Different Tool than SimaPro?

Easy.
If you’re asking this, it’s because you’re already noticing the limits.

If:

  • You take too long to generate reports

  • You can’t use the data for CSRD, SBTi or internal reports

  • Only a technical profile can use the tool

  • You feel data is being duplicated or lost along the way

Then yes: you need something more agile, more connected, and more useful for the business.

A solution that works with you, not against you.

Can we relax? Not really.
Now is the time to optimize.

Take control of your ESG data today.
Take control of your ESG data today.
Start nowRequest a demo
Cristina Alcalá-Zamora
CSRD Specialist | Content Creator

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Can You Calculate a Product’s Carbon Footprint?

Carbon footprint calculation analyzes all emissions generated throughout a product’s life cycle, including raw material extraction, production, transportation, usage, and disposal.

The most recognized methodologies are:

  • Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
  • ISO 14067
  • PAS 2050

Digital tools like Dcycle simplify the process, providing accurate and actionable insights.

What Are the Most Recognized Certifications?
  • ISO 14067 – Defines carbon footprint measurement for products.
  • EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) – Environmental impact based on LCA.
  • Cradle to Cradle (C2C) – Evaluates sustainability and circularity.
  • LEED & BREEAM – Certifications for sustainable buildings.
Which Industries Have the Highest Carbon Footprint?
  • Construction – High emissions from cement and steel.
  • Textile – Intense water usage and fiber production emissions.
  • Food Industry – Large-scale agriculture and transportation impact.
  • Transportation – Fossil fuel dependency in vehicles and aviation.
How Can Companies Reduce Product Carbon Footprints?
  • Use recycled or low-emission materials.
  • Optimize production processes to cut energy use.
  • Shift to renewable energy sources.
  • Improve transportation and logistics to reduce emissions.
Is Carbon Reduction Expensive?

Some strategies require initial investment, but long-term benefits outweigh costs.

  • Energy efficiency lowers operational expenses.
  • Material reuse and recycling reduces procurement costs.
  • Sustainability certifications open new business opportunities.

Investing in carbon reduction is not just an environmental action, it’s a smart business strategy.