Abstract
Purpose
This paper introduces the new EcoSpold data format for life cycle inventory (LCI).
Methods
A short historical retrospect on data formats in the life cycle assessment (LCA) field is given. The guiding principles for the revision and implementation are explained. Some technical basics of the data format are described, and changes to the previous data format are explained.
Results
The EcoSpold 2 data format caters for new requirements that have arisen in the LCA field in recent years.
Conclusions
The new data format is the basis for the Ecoinvent v3 database, but since it is an open data format, it is expected to be adopted by other LCI databases. Several new concepts used in the new EcoSpold 2 data format open the way for new possibilities for the LCA practitioners and to expand the application of the datasets in other fields beyond LCA (e.g., Material Flow Analysis, Energy Balancing).
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References
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Responsible editor: Roland Hischier
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Meinshausen, I., Müller-Beilschmidt, P. & Viere, T. The EcoSpold 2 format—why a new format?. Int J Life Cycle Assess 21, 1231–1235 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367-014-0789-z
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367-014-0789-z