Get involved

I want to connect my dataset to GLAD

All we need from you -- as the dataset provider -- is the metadata of your datasets. Your dataset will then immediately benefit from increased visibility to the LCA community -- at no cost.

GLAD does not directly host databases. Its main purpose is to help users find the LCA data they need. Once the user finds the data fit for their purpose, GLAD redirects them to the data provider website, from which the datasets can be downloaded, for free, or against a commercial license fee -- depending on your model. The conditions under which you hand over the actual data to the individual users remains at your sole discretion.

If you meet the following criteria, you can!

  • You offer LCA data either free or for a license fee.
  • GLAD does not endorse or promote any specific data format. However, it is desirable that the data is made available in one of the data formats supported by the GLAD converter function (ecoSpold1, ecoSpold2, ILCD, JSON-LD) in order to achieve interoperability for users.
  • You are providing the metadata either through the GLAD API or using the  GLAD XLS TEMPLATE.

Get started with your connection

To get a better idea of your situation and support the registration of your metadata in GLAD in the most effective way, please email your answers to the following questions, as a complement to your interest to connecting your data to GLAD. You can email Ms. Archana Datta [[email protected]] and Mr. Oliver Kusche [[email protected]].

1. How many datasets do you plan to register?

2. Are your datasets available online? If yes, please provide a URL.

3. Are your datasets freely available, available for a charge, or do you require a registration or other interaction before an interested user can access them?

4. Which data format (ecoSpold, ILCD) are you using primarily to publish your data? Do you have the ability to offer it in other formats as well?

5. If your data is not available in ecoSpold or ILCD format, would you be able to provide all relevant metadata by means of a spreadsheet (we have a special template for that)?

This information will help us assess how we can proceed and we look forward to supporting you in getting your data registered in GLAD.

More information for Dataset Providers

This supporting document provides a high-level overview of GLAD including guidance on the different options, for a potential data provider, to share data in GLAD.

More detailed and technical information can be found in this supporting document for nodes interested to join GLAD. It documents how the metadata descriptors which are used in the GLAD system are to be provided for common LCA datasets.

Please refer to the metadata descriptors described in the Guidance. Beware that required metadata descriptors are classified in three categories. Firstly, mandatory descriptors that are the minimum requirement for nodes wanting to connect. Secondly, recommended descriptors that are considered as the basis to improve data findability as they are linked to the fields in the faceted search of GLAD platform. And finally, optional descriptors that are meant to provide users additional information so that they can assess if a particular dataset is useful for their purpose.

Your commitment as a node to GLAD:

  • Minimum requirements for dataset documentation: The Node commits to working towards enhanced data access and interoperability by providing the minimum metadata descriptors to enable search by users, as well as by using the agreed nomenclature mapping made available by GLAD. The use of a common data exchange format and flow nomenclature is encouraged.
  • The Node commits to use the GLAD API to enable the search of its dataset metadata descriptors, but the Node is free to develop its own solutions to participate in GLAD, within the given principles.
  • All metadata for each dataset that is searchable GLAD must be available for free (no charge to consult dataset’s metadata).
  • Registered Nodes need to be available online, or at least post the metadata values of their datasets online and offer access to metadata descriptors for free.
  • Dataset providers are responsible for the operation of their own node and maintain full control over their node as well as the data hosted on the node. For paid databases, actual transaction should occur between the users and the individual nodes.
  • Each node can have its own license policy establishing what users can do with the datasets provided through their node. However, use of datasets accessed from other nodes may have their own license policies. Thus, license conditions need to be clear and transparent.
  • Dataset providers must demonstrate willingness and effort to present datasets with GLAD metadata and nomenclature conventions to the extent possible.
  • The Node commits to making metadata available in English as a minimum, in addition to another language if desired.
  • The Nodes provide access to datasets that are in line with GLAD principles to the best of their knowledge and fully documented.
  • GLAD reserves the right to restrict access to providers not participating in good faith according to the GLAD principles.

I want to help with technical development

GLAD is a community-driven open-source project, built on open-source software. Thus, everyone can access our data and the code behind GLAD is visible and accessible. We welcome and support developers interested in joining efforts. You can further browse our site to learn more about ways to join our global development community, and please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

I want to contribute with funding

GLAD is the result of years of collaborative work of intergovernmental organisations, governments, and global leaders on LCA data provision. If you are interested in funding this project, please contact Claudia Giacovelli [[email protected]] and Mr. Llorenç Milà i Canals [[email protected]]. We are always interested in further improving this platform and your contributions are more than welcome.