Database import · SimaPro CSV

Import SimaPro CSV databases

Start from a SimaPro database export, parse its process sections and exchanges, then continue with inspection, calculation, conversion, or automation in VoLCA.

What is SimaPro CSV?

SimaPro CSV is the structured text export produced by SimaPro for exchanging LCA databases. It is not a generic spreadsheet CSV: the file contains named process sections, products, exchanges, parameters, units, and metadata in SimaPro's own layout.

Explore VoLCA See all import formats

Files VoLCA accepts

  • A plain SimaPro CSV database export.
  • SimaPro CSV packaged as ZIP, 7z, tar.gz, or tar.xz.

VoLCA detects the SimaPro CSV structure from the file content and handles the encoding used by common SimaPro exports.

What is imported

  • processes, products, and multi-product activity structure
  • technosphere, biosphere, and waste exchanges
  • units, locations, parameters, classifications, and available comments
  • supplier links, search indexes, and 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-simapro.csv.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-simapro.csv.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

  • A SimaPro database export and a SimaPro method export are separate files. Both are needed when the workflow requires characterized impacts.
  • Warnings, supplier links, and flow mappings still need review before the imported result is used as calculation evidence.

Follow the Agribalyse SimaPro CSV import walkthrough →

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Import EcoSpold 1 XML datasets and inspect activities, exchanges, inventories, links, and calculation results.

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Brightway Excel

Import a Brightway Excel .xlsx inventory workbook while preserving activities, exchanges, units, and database links.