Ecoinvent 3.12 - methods and details
Ecoinvent 3.12 — CADv2026 methods and changes
| Publisher | Ecoinvent Association |
| Full name | Ecoinvent 3.12 |
| Description | Emission factors from the Life Cycle Analysis database by the not-for-profit Ecoinvent Association. Contains LCIA scores on Climate Change impact (in tCO₂e) based on the IPCC 2021 (AR6) report. |
| Version nr. | 3.12 |
| Source documents | Ecoinvent 3.12 documentation |
Methodology readout notes
General methodology
CAD uses the Allocation, cut-off by classification system model. As this allocation methods alligns with Greenhouse Gas Protocol allocation definitions. Multi-output activities are allocated economically and recyclable materials are treated as burden-free for secondary users.
Impact assessment method: IPCC 2021 no LT
CAD uses IPCC 2021, no long-term (no LT), GWP100. Three choices underlie this:
- GWP 100 - global warming potential on 100 year horizon as dictated by the GHG Protocol.
- No long-term emissions (no LT). Emissions beyond a 100-year horizon (e.g. slow landfill leaching) are excluded.
- No short-lived climate forcers (no SLCF). Compounds like CO, VOCs, NOx, and BC are excluded. AR6 no longer provides native GWP100 values for them, and they fall outside standard GHGP reporting requirements.
Impact assessment breakdown
The total tCO₂e score is the sum of four sub-categories, each using the Indicator global warming potential (GWP100) no LT:
| Method | Category | Unit | C+A+D mapping |
|---|---|---|---|
| IPCC 2021 no LT | climate change: fossil no LT | kg CO₂e | CO₂e* Fossil Emissions |
| IPCC 2021 no LT | climate change: removals from direct land use change no LT | kg CO₂e | BioCO₂ Land Use Change Removals |
| IPCC 2021 no LT | climate change: emissions from direct land use change no LT | kg CO₂e | CO₂e* Land Use Change Emissions |
| IPCC 2021 no LT | climate change: biogenic (excl. CO2) no LT | kg CO₂e | BioCH₄ Land Undefined Emission |
Update cadence
Ecoinvent publishes a new version annually, typically in November. C+A+D updates can be expected to follow shortly thereafter.
Data considerations and notes
Electricity data and residual mixes
Electricity market mixes in Ecoinvent 3.12 generally reflect 2022 generation data (2023 for Brazil, Canada, China, India, Switzerland, and the United States). Notably, the European electricity residual mixes represent 2024, using statistics from the Association of Issuing Bodies (AIB).