This feature is only available in the Corporate plan.
Here is an explanation of each column used when uploading data to Earthster (via Excel or CSV file):
"Cycle name" Required – This is the name of the LCA model being created. The model can represent a product, production facility, company, component, module, assembly, sub-component, or anything else you wish to model. In Earthster, LCA models are called "Cycles."
"Depth" Optional – This column and its numerical values create the structure/hierarchy of the LCA model. A smaller number, such as "1," is always the "parent" (higher in the hierarchy). Larger numbers below it, such as "2," are nested inside that parent. When another "1" appears in the column, it creates a new parent, and the subsequent rows with larger numbers are placed inside it. You can create as many hierarchical levels as needed.
"Component" Required – This column contains the inputs, such as raw materials, production processes, logistics, use-phase inputs, and end-of-life scenarios, as well as the names of "parent" structures. In this example file, inputs are all rows where the "depth" is "2," and these inputs are located inside a "parent." For example: "Enclosure & Structural Frame" is a product part and a "parent," and its inputs are Aluminum Alloy (Cabinets/Panels), Steel (Frame/Base), Metal Working (Machining/Forming), and Powder Coating.
"Amount" Required – This column contains the quantities for each input as well as for the "parent." For rows containing raw materials, this might be "kg." For "parent" rows, the amount usually refers to the total number of those components, assemblies, or modules in the product. In this file, a "parent" (e.g., "Enclosure & Structural Frame") is a "Custom process," which functions like a folder that can apply a multiplier to its contents. If the inputs inside represent one module, the "amount" on the parent row dictates how many of those modules are required per product. If only one is needed, enter "1." There are many other ways to model this; for instance, folder structures without multipliers also exist.
"Unit" Required – This column indicates the unit of measurement for the row's input. If the unit in your product data system differs from the unit in the LCA database, the conversion can be handled within Earthster.
"Geography" Required – This column specifies the country of origin for raw materials or the specific country/region for production, logistics, use, and end-of-life.
"Query" Optional – Use this column if you already know the specific dataset you want to use for modeling an input. For example: "market for aluminium, cast alloy." This is the name of an existing Ecoinvent dataset, and Earthster will suggest it to you in "mappings." When a "Query" column exists in the BOM/Product data sheet, Earthster uses it as the primary search term for mapping.
"Stage" Optional – If you leave this blank, all rows will automatically be assigned to the "Production" stage. Earthster LCA models always include the stages "Production," "Distribution," and "Use" (which includes end-of-life). These represent the life cycle stages of the product. You can use this column to manually assign inputs to specific stages.
"Type" Required when "Depth" is used – If you do not use the "depth" column, this column is not required. It defines what type of item is on the row. If it is a direct input like a raw material or primary data from your own library, the value must be "flow." If it is a hierarchy/structure with a multiplier (like a folder), use "custom" (for Custom Process). There is also a third option, "bundle," which acts as a folder but does not have a multiplier.