Database import · ILCD

Import ILCD files

Load an ILCD process database, turn its XML datasets into searchable activities and exchanges, and keep the imported source available for inspection and calculation.

What is ILCD?

ILCD, the International Reference Life Cycle Data System, is an XML-based data format and framework developed by the European Commission Joint Research Centre. A database package links process datasets to separate flow, flow-property, and unit-group datasets.

Explore VoLCA See all import formats

Files VoLCA accepts

  • A ZIP, 7z, tar.gz, or tar.xz archive containing an ILCD database tree.
  • A package with a processes/ directory; flows/, flowproperties/, and unitgroups/ provide the related flow and unit definitions.

VoLCA finds the ILCD root by locating its processes/ directory, even when the package is nested inside another folder.

What is imported

  • process datasets and their reference exchanges
  • technosphere, biosphere, and waste flows
  • units, locations, classifications, and process metadata
  • supplier relationships used to build the calculation matrices

Upload once, inspect through any VoLCA interface

The upload endpoint detects the database format, stages the source, and makes it available to load. The same imported database can then be used from the UI, HTTP API, Python client, CLI, or MCP endpoint.

CLI

Upload the local file

volca --config volca.toml database upload ./database-ilcd.zip \
  --name "my-database"

The engine accepts ZIP, 7z, tar.gz, tar.xz, XML, CSV, and supported .xlsx database inputs, with the exact choice depending on the source format.

Python

Use the same upload endpoint

from volca import Client

client = Client("http://localhost:8080")
client.upload_database("database-ilcd.zip", name="my-database")

Replace the local URL with the address of your VoLCA server and provide credentials when required.

Database CLI reference Python client guide HTTP API guide

Interpretation boundaries

  • An ILCD process database and an ILCD LCIA method package are different inputs. Importing the database does not load a characterization method.
  • Flow mapping and method compatibility must be checked before characterized impact results are treated as credible.

See a checked ILCD export with file counts and checksums →

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