Using the One Click LCA EPD Data Collection and Import Form

One Click LCA's data collection/import form can be used to gather process information for your Product LCA/EPD, and then to import that data into One Click LCA directly.

The import process for Product LCA/EPD works the same as with One Click LCA Building level tools. This article discusses the specifics of Product LCA/EPD import, however, for a detailed explanation of the import process please see Import Process in One Click LCA

To import data into your Product LCA/EPD design using excel, you need to use the form "OneClickLCA_import_form_EPD_v4.0.1", which is attached below.

The HELP sheet gives guidance on how to use it, and there is an example in the @EXAMPLE DATA INPUT sheet.

The DATA sheet is where you enter your data in the same columns as are in the software, as below and including Comment, Classification, Transportation, Production losses, Output mass type, Use for +A1/+A2/TRACI, Allocation, Energy and Biogenic carbon balancing:

The MASS BALANCE sheet is where you can check that your LCA is balanced, i.e. that the sum of inputs equals the sum of outputs.

Once your file is ready, you will need to click on the button "Save as .xlsx for import", in the "Data" sheet. This will create a .xlsx version of your file, without macro, that can be imported into the software.

Once you have generated the .xlsx version ready to be imported, you can start the import process by going to the design you want to import data to, and selecting "Import Excel or gbXML files":

Next you "Choose File" to import and click "Continue".

You will then confirm the import settings, such as the project and design you want to import to and whether you want to replace or preserve existing data:

It is recommended to manually review the Combine and Mapping steps for Product LCA; the other steps are usually not necessary.

Combine: Often for Product LCA you will not want to combine any of the data, so that each row in your import form will have its own row in the software model. However, if you do wish to combine the data, you can do so based on Class, Material, Unit, or Transport distance or type.

Mapping: This step shows which of your data has been identified with a match from previous mappings, and which is unidentified or problematic and requires you to manual map the data by selecting the correct "Target resource".

When you have chosen a target resource for unidentified data, or changed the resource for identified data, you have the option to "Save new mappings" so that it will be remembered in the future. At this stage, you can also still change the class, comment, or classification of your data.

Once the mapping is complete and you click "Continue", the data will be updated in your design and you will automatically be taken to the results page.

Before using this feature for the first time, we recommend reading Import Process in One Click LCA for more detailed information on the import settings and steps, or try it out in a test design.

If you have any questions or feedback about using excel import, please feel welcome to get in touch. If your company policy doesn't allow excel with macros, please contact [email protected].