The U.S. Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) Database serves as a central repository for information about the total energy and resource impacts of developing and using various commercial building materials, components, and assemblies. The database helps manufacturers, building designers, and developers select energy-efficient and environmentally friendly materials, products, and processes for their projects based on the environmental impact of an item over its entire lifespan.

The U.S. Department of Energy and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) developed the database in 2003 with input from a variety of partners. NREL maintains and updates the database with support from the Building Technologies Office, which funds ongoing research in life cycle assessments to expand the available data.

Visit the NREL website to learn more about the LCI Database Project, read about the data modules, and register for database access.

Benefits and Goals of Life Cycle Inventory Data

Easily accessible to the public, the LCI Database serves as a central source of critically reviewed, consistent, and transparent data. It allows users to objectively review and compare analysis results based on similar data collection and analysis methods. This common set of data, based on a single protocol, improves the quality and consistency of life cycle assessments and makes them easier to perform.

Refer to the U.S. Life Cycle Inventory Database Roadmap to learn more about the plans and goals for the LCI Database.