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Top 5 best software to measure life cycle in 2025

Updated on
March 27, 2025

These are the 5 best software tools to measure life cycle in 2025:

1. Dcycle
2. SimaPro
3. OpenLCA
4. Air.e LCA
5. GaBi

More and more companies are looking for the best software to measure life cycle because they understand one key thing: if you don’t measure it, you can’t improve it.

And in an increasingly demanding environment, having no data means having no options.

Measuring the life cycle helps you clearly see where you're creating the most impact, where you can optimize costs, and how to make smarter decisions.

It’s not just about compliance, it’s about staying ahead.

In this article, we’ll show you which solutions truly work, what to keep in mind before choosing, and why this topic can’t stay on the "later" list anymore.

Top 5 Best Software to Measure Life Cycle

Choosing the right tool matters. Here are the 5 most powerful solutions to analyze the life cycle of products and processes.

Each one has its strengths, but all of them help you better understand your impact and make smarter choices.

1. Dcycle

Dcycle isn’t a specific LCA tool, and that’s exactly its advantage.

It’s a comprehensive ESG solution, designed for any company that wants to collect, manage, and distribute its sustainability data across all fronts: EINF, CSRD, Taxonomy, SBTi, ISOs, or whatever you need to report.

We’re not consultants or auditors. We’re a digital solution that gives you real visibility over your business impact, without the hassle.

You can upload all your ESG data in one place, identify critical points, automate reports, and make data-driven decisions, not gut-based ones.

And if you need to measure the life cycle, you can also do it within a broader and connected framework. Fewer tools, more control.

2. SimaPro

SimaPro is a widely used solution for technical and detailed life cycle analysis.

It includes robust databases and multiple calculation methodologies. Ideal for modeling complex processes.

It’s powerful, but it also requires specific knowledge to get the most out of it.

3. OpenLCA

OpenLCA is an open-source option with great flexibility and customization.

It’s compatible with several databases and allows for detailed analysis without a license cost.

Perfect if you have an internal technical team and need autonomy.

4. Air.e LCA

Air.e LCA stands out for its practical approach and for enabling real-time life cycle analysis.

It features an agile interface and access to databases like Ecoinvent. Very useful for eco-design projects.

A good choice for teams looking for fast and actionable results.

5. GaBi

GaBi is a very comprehensive solution for companies that need precise analysis and advanced modeling.

It has a large proprietary database and allows for adjusting models based on multiple variables.

It requires a learning curve, but it’s very solid technically.

5 Features a Good Life Cycle Software Must Have

Not all tools are created equal. If you’re going to invest in a solution, make sure it truly works. Here’s what it must include:

  • Calculations based on standards like ISO, PAS or GHG Protocol
  • Integration with your real data, not generic estimates
  • Scalability: today a product, tomorrow your entire portfolio
  • Exportable output formats to meet any regulation
  • Full traceability: where each data point comes from and how it’s used

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What’s the difference between measuring carbon footprint and life cycle?

Carbon footprint focuses on greenhouse gas emissions.

Life cycle, on the other hand, analyzes the entire environmental impact of a product or service, not just emissions.

Both approaches are complementary. One tells you what, the other tells you where and how.

Can an ESG software adapt to my industry’s needs?

Yes. But be careful, not all of them do. The important thing is that it lets you upload your own data and adjust to your real operations.

At Dcycle, we don’t work with generic templates. We adapt the solution to what you already do, without reinventing the wheel.

What methodologies do these software tools use for calculations?

It depends on the solution, but the most common are:

ISO 14040/44, ISO 14067, PAS 2050, and GHG Protocol

What matters is that they are recognized methodologies and that the software lets you track them at all times.

Is it mandatory to use a digital tool to measure life cycle?

No, but doing it without a tool makes everything harder.

More errors, more time, more chaos when it’s time to report.

If you’re already collecting ESG data, a digital solution gives you real control and gets you ready for any regulation.

What’s the first step to start measuring life cycle in my company?

The first step is to identify the key stages of your product or service.

From raw material to end use, where is the most impact being generated?

From there, define what data you need and start measuring. With a solution like Dcycle, that path becomes much clearer.

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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.