See how commonly materials are used across projects and regions
The material popularity index in One Click LCA shows how frequently specific materials are used across projects in your region and worldwide.
It helps you identify which datasets are most relevant and trusted by other professionals, so you can make faster and more confident material choices.
What the index shows
Each material in the database is assigned a popularity score from 1 to 3.
3 means the material is among the most used by One Click LCA users in projects.
1 means it is less frequently used.
Scores are calculated separately for each material category (for example, concrete, steel, or insulation) and for each region, so comparisons remain fair and meaningful.
Regional and global perspectives
You can view popularity scores within your own region, such as “insulation materials in North America”.
Each material also has a global score, showing how it compares internationally.
This makes it easier to understand whether a dataset is widely applied only locally or also recognized globally.
Why it matters
Find trusted data faster: Popular datasets are often the ones relied on by many professionals.
Benchmark material choices: See how your selections align with commonly used materials in your market.
Identify data gaps: If a material has low popularity but is important for your project, it may signal limited available EPDs or datasets in that category.
What the popularity score does not mean
A higher score does not indicate that a material performs better or has lower carbon emissions.
It only reflects how often the material is used across One Click LCA projects.
Always review the environmental impacts, compliance requirements, and project-specific suitability before selecting materials.
How the score is calculated
The index is based on how One Click LCA users interact with datasets in real projects.
It combines actions such as viewing, adding, and using materials in reports into a weighted score that represents overall engagement and use frequency.
How you can use it
Design teams and consultants: Quickly find datasets most relevant to your project location.
Manufacturers: Understand how your materials are being used compared to peers in your region.
Procurement and sustainability managers: Gain insight into commonly specified materials to support benchmarking and planning.
Frequently asked questions
When do newly added materials receive a popularity score?
Newly added datasets do not have a popularity score immediately. Scores are updated every quarter, once there is enough real project interaction data to calculate popularity.
Does a higher score mean a material is better or lower carbon?
No. The popularity score only shows how frequently a material is used across projects. It does not measure environmental performance or compliance quality.
Can the popularity score differ between regions?
Yes. Scores are calculated separately for each region and material category, so the same product may have different popularity values depending on local usage patterns.
How can I use the popularity index in my work?
Use the index to quickly find widely used and trusted datasets, compare material trends, and identify data gaps where fewer verified EPDs are available.