The "input" method files are in the form of CSV data with the following fields. Basically, the file lists all elementary flows and the characterization factors per impact category and/or indicator in columns. Preferably, method developers would provide methods in this format to ecoinvent (including any other fields). Indicator units need to be reported in a separate file. If already a mapping from the method to ecoinvent exists, ecoinvent UUIDs might be added. Please send your files to sonderegger@ecoinvent.org.
| Field | Field type | Data type | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| elementary_flow_id | recommended | string | method elementary flow ID |
| elementary_flow_name | mandatory | string | method elementary flow name |
| cas_number | recommended if available | string | method elementary flow CAS number |
| formula | recommended if available | string | method elementary flow formula |
| synonyms | recommended if available | string | synonyms for method elementary flow |
| unit_name | mandatory | string | method elementary flow unit name |
| directionality | recommended | string | method elementary flow directionality (resource or emission) |
| compartment | mandatory | string | method elementary flow compartment |
| subcompartment | recommended | string | method elementary flow subcompartment |
| {category and/or indicator 1} | mandatory where available | number | characterization factors for a method impact category and/or indicator; if category and indicator: preferably separated by "|" |
| ... | |||
| {category and/or indicator n} | |||
| (any other field) | optional | any other information that is available and helps to understand the method and its elementary flows |