Calculations are performed quicker, databases are accessed quicker and the user interface responds faster to user actions.

With more control over the user interface, CCaLC2 provides increased functionality while being more intuitive to use. For example, clicking on a raw material, energy or waste item in an overview table now enables one-click editing or deletion of that item from your analysis.

CCaLC2 includes approximately 300 new datasets from Ecoinvent 3 as well as updated data from Ecoinvent 2 for other environmental impacts (acidification, eutrophication, ozone layer depletion, photochemical (summer) smog and human toxicity).

Your CCaLC2 analyses are now saved as independent and relatively small files that can be easily copied, pasted, moved, shared with colleagues and opened on other PCs with CCaLC2 installed - just like you would any other Windows file. They can even be password protected for added security.

CCaLC2 automatically checks for updates and prompts the user when an updated version is available for download.

With the size of the databases and complexity of the calculations being performed CCaLC was pushing the limits of Excel. Rebuilt from scratch and unbound by the limitations of Excel it will now be easier to add extra functionality to future versions of CCaLC2. Watch this space!

The CCaLC2 tool enables calculations of carbon footprints from 'cradle to gate' (business to business) or 'cradle to grave' (business to consumer). It also helps to identify carbon 'hot spots' and carbon reduction opportunities.

In addition to carbon footprints, CCaLC2 also incorporates water footprint calculations to take into account water scarcity in different countries.

CCaLC2 also calculates other environmental impacts to show how they may be affected by any changes in the carbon footprint. These include acidification, eutrophication, ozone layer depletion, photochemical (summer) smog and human toxicity.

CCaLC2 enables estimation of economic value added, to show the trade-offs between 'carbon added' and 'value added'. The cost of reducing carbon footprints can also be estimated.

CCaLC Optimiser enables identification of optimum low-carbon options at minimum costs.

Over 6000 data items are available in CCaLC2, including data for materials, energy, transportation, packaging and waste. The data can be sourced from either the CCaLC or Ecoinvent databases.

CCaLC database: This database contains over 2000 data from open literature.

Ecoinvent database: This database contains over 4000 data items from the commercial provider Ecoinvent.

In the past decade, Ecoinvent has established itself as a global leader in creating a comprehensive and transparent life cycle inventory database. Its database helps companies to produce environmentally more sustainable products, guides policy makers in implementing new policies and informs consumers on how to adopt environmentally more sustainable behaviour.

Over 50 case studies are included within CCaLC2, each of which can be modified to suit the specific needs of the user. The case studies span the biofeedstock, biofuel, chemical, food & drinks and packaging sectors.