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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.

What it Means to Measure the Life Cycle of a Product or Service

Measuring the life cycle isn’t a trend. It’s about understanding from start to finish how what we produce, use, or sell impacts the world.

From raw material extraction to end of use, every phase leaves a mark. And if we don’t know it, we can’t improve it.

Can we relax? Not really. The pressure to measure and report is already here. And it’s only growing.

The Strategic Reason: Measuring the Life Cycle Is No Longer Optional

It used to be done out of conviction. Now it’s required by regulations, investors, and customers. And if you don’t measure, you fall behind.

Measuring the life cycle is a lever for efficiency and competitiveness. It’s not just an external demand, it’s also an internal advantage.

Companies already doing it make better decisions, save money, and avoid future problems.

4 Key Benefits of Using Software to Measure Life Cycle

1. You Know Where to Start

With a digital solution, you can clearly see where the critical points in your process are.

That helps you prioritize and not waste time on things that have no real impact.

2. You Make Decisions Based on Data, Not Gut Feelings

Going with assumptions is expensive. Measuring properly gives you the evidence to act smart.

And if you need to justify decisions, you’ve already got data-backed support.

3. You Save Money (More Than You Think)

Reducing impact almost always means improving efficiency. And that ends up cutting costs.

From raw materials to logistics, the savings opportunities are there. You just have to find them.

4. You Stay Ahead of What’s Coming

Regulations are changing and becoming stricter. If you measure today, you report tomorrow without headaches.

And if you also have all your data centralized, you can adapt to any format you’re asked for.

3 Common Challenges When Measuring Life Cycle (and How Software Helps)

1. Not Knowing Where to Start

Many get stuck at the first step. What data do I collect? What methodology do I use? Without clarity, there’s no action.

A digital solution guides you step by step. It helps organize information and gets you started without getting lost.

2. Scattered or Inaccessible Data

Having info spread across a thousand places is classic. And when it’s time to report, chaos kicks in.

A good software centralizes everything. You connect it once and everything flows: updated, traceable data, ready for whatever you need.

3. Lack of Time or Technical Team

Not all companies have sustainability or life cycle experts.

A well-designed tool does the heavy lifting. It automates calculations, generates reports, and lets your team focus on what matters.

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

When It Makes Sense to Incorporate a Digital Tool

If you’re already collecting ESG data or preparing reports, don’t think twice.

Having a digital solution saves you time, mistakes, and money. What used to take you weeks, now you can do in minutes.

Still using spreadsheets and endless emails? Then yes, you're already late.

Why Dcycle Is the ESG Solution You’re Looking For

Dcycle isn’t an LCA software, it’s much more. It’s a complete solution to manage your sustainability with strategic vision.

We collect all your ESG data and distribute it automatically to the use cases you need: EINF, CSRD, ISOs, Taxonomy, SBTi, without duplicating work.

We’re not consultants or auditors. We provide a clear, simple, and automated platform so you can measure, manage, and communicate your impact without depending on third parties.

You can also calculate your carbon footprint (at product or corporate level), automate reports, and track your improvement plans all in one place.

Dcycle lets you make decisions based on real data. Because if you don’t measure, you don’t improve. And if you don’t improve, you don’t compete.

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.