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DEISO LCA Data Collection System — Structured Cradle-to-Grave Data Framework Template

A ready-to-use, professional system designed to standardize Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) data collection across cradle, use phase, and grave stages. Built for ISO 14040/14044-aligned studies, this system enables consultants and organizations to collect consistent, structured, and review-ready data for single-product and comparative LCA workflows.
DEISO digital product

DEISO LCA data collection system

A professional Microsoft Excel-based system built to standardize, accelerate, and de-risk Life Cycle Assessment data collection across cradle, use phase, and grave stages.

Version v1.2
Last update March 31, 2026
Format Microsoft Excel (.xlsx)
Workbook structure

How to use each sheet in the DEISO LCA data collection system

The table below explains the purpose of each sheet and how to use it correctly within the cradle-to-grave LCA workflow.

Sheet name Purpose How to use
Copyright Defines DEISO ownership, template identity, and legal notice. Review this sheet first. Do not modify legal content when sharing externally.
Framework_Overview Explains the ISO 14040/14044 cradle-to-grave logic of the system. Read before data entry to understand structure and relationships between sheets.
Cradle Guides how to allocate upstream, material, and manufacturing data. Use as a reference when deciding whether data belongs in BOM_Packaging, Manufacturing, or Logistics.
Project_Setup Defines study scope, functional unit, and system boundary. Complete first. Confirm all inputs are aligned with the functional unit before proceeding.
Product_Portfolio Defines products for single or comparative LCA. Assign a unique Product ID and reuse it across all sheets.
BOM_Packaging Captures raw materials, components, packaging, and upstream sourcing. Enter material data linked to Product ID and functional unit. Include origin, supplier, and data source.
Manufacturing Captures factory processes, energy use, emissions, and waste. Use for all operations within the factory gate. Record processes, inputs, outputs, and losses.
Logistics Captures transport across cradle and grave stages. Separate inbound transport, distribution, installation, and end-of-life transport clearly.
Use Phase Captures product use, maintenance, energy, and operational inputs. Define realistic use scenarios, lifetime assumptions, and consumption patterns.
End_of_Life Captures disposal, recycling, and waste processing logic. Define treatment pathways, recycling rates, and final disposal scenarios.
Grave Explains how to interpret end-of-life data blocks. Use as a guidance sheet to correctly assign data between End_of_Life and Logistics.
Dashboard Provides completeness tracking and data quality visibility. Monitor progress, identify missing data, and review overall data readiness.
Comparison Compares multiple products for data completeness and structure. Use for comparative LCA setup and to check consistency across products.
Framework concept

The framework concept behind the DEISO LCA data collection system

The DEISO LCA Data Collection System is built on a structured, logic-driven framework that changes how Life Cycle Assessment data is collected, organized, and validated. Rather than treating data collection as a fragmented or ad hoc process, the system establishes a clear methodological architecture aligned with ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 principles.

The problem

From fragmented data collection to structured LCA architecture

Traditional LCA data collection often suffers from inconsistent formats, unclear system boundaries, and repeated communication cycles between consultants and clients. This framework addresses those issues with a predefined structure that holds clarity, consistency, and traceability across all life cycle stages.

Structural logic

Core structure: cradle, use phase, grave

The framework separates life cycle stages so all data is captured in the correct context:

  • Cradle — raw material extraction, upstream processing, inbound transport, and manufacturing activities before the product leaves the factory gate
  • Use phase — operational use, maintenance, energy consumption, and functional performance over the product lifetime
  • Grave — end-of-life activities including collection, transport, recycling, waste processing, and final disposal
Sheet architecture

Functional separation of data across sheets

Each sheet represents a specific function within the LCA workflow. That separation means:

  • Material data is captured independently from manufacturing processes
  • Transport is isolated as a cross-cutting activity across life cycle stages
  • Use phase assumptions are clearly defined and traceable
  • End-of-life scenarios are structured and not mixed with operational data
Key principle

Data must be placed where it occurs

Each dataset must be recorded in the sheet corresponding to the actual life cycle stage in which it occurs. This removes ambiguity and improves both model accuracy and review readiness.

Data integration

Product-centric data integration

The system is built around a Product ID logic, giving consistent data linkage across all sheets. This supports:

  • Data that connects cleanly across cradle, use, and grave stages
  • Both single-product and comparative LCA studies
  • Stronger traceability and validation across datasets
Logic layer

Embedded intelligence layer

Beyond structure, the framework integrates a logic layer that strengthens data reliability:

  • Validation rules to detect missing or inconsistent entries
  • Completeness tracking to monitor data readiness
  • Standardized input formats using dropdown-driven workflows
  • Comparative logic to support multi-product analysis
In practice

Built for real-world LCA workflows

This framework is not theoretical. It is built to operate in real consulting, industrial, and research environments where data quality, consistency, and time efficiency are critical. By combining structural clarity with an embedded logic layer, the DEISO LCA Data Collection System turns data collection into a controlled, scalable, professional process.

Cradle and Grave Structure in the DEISO LCA Data Collection System

In this template, the cradle stage is not handled as one standalone worksheet. It is distributed across the operational sheets where upstream life cycle data naturally belongs, while the dedicated Cradle sheet serves as an interpretive reference layer. Likewise, the grave stage is mainly handled through the End_of_Life and Logistics sheets, with the separate Grave sheet functioning as a guidance and mapping layer.

How “Cradle” Is Handled

The cradle stage is distributed across the following sheets:

Cradle — interpretive reference sheet
BOM_Packaging — upstream raw materials, components, packaging inputs
Logistics — inbound transport linked to upstream supply
Manufacturing — factory process operations, utilities, yields, waste, and direct emissions
How “Grave” Is Handled

The grave stage is mainly handled through the following sheets:

Grave — interpretive reference sheet
End_of_Life — collection, treatment, disposal, recovery, and credits
Logistics — waste transport linked to end-of-life flows
Framework_Overview — structural explanation of life cycle stage allocation
Cradle-Associated Sheets and Block Names
Cradle
• Interpretation and structural mapping sheet for upstream stage placement

BOM_Packaging
• Raw material and input composition blocks
• Product and packaging composition sections

Logistics
• Inbound raw material transport section

Manufacturing
• Process operations and yield section
• Utilities, emissions, water use, and manufacturing waste section
Grave-Associated Sheets and Block Names
Grave
• Interpretation and structural mapping sheet for end-of-life stage placement

End_of_Life
• Collection / deconstruction section
• Waste transport summary section
• Waste processing and recovery section
• Final disposal section
• Recovery credits / avoided burdens section (optional)

Logistics
• Waste transport section linked to grave flows

This structure allows the workbook to represent cradle-to-grave life cycle logic through functional data placement rather than isolating each stage into only one data-entry worksheet.

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Free download

Download the DEISO EPD data collection framework template (A1–D)

A ready-to-use, professional template built to collect structured EPD data from your clients across A1–D life cycle modules.

Built for consultants and organizations developing Environmental Product Declarations aligned with ISO 14025 and Product Category Rules.

Share this framework directly with your clients to standardize data collection, reduce inconsistencies, and accelerate the development of high-quality, verification-ready EPDs.

What this template enables

  • Structured A1–D data collection aligned with ISO 14025
  • Clear mapping to Product Category Rules
  • Reduced client data inconsistency and errors
  • Faster preparation of verification-ready EPD datasets
  • Standardized workflow for consultants and organizations

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