Introducing LCAlink 4.0: Expanded Features for Smarter Assessments
- LCA link
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 50 minutes ago
We’re excited to announce the release of LCAlink 4.0, the latest milestone update to our freely available BIM-to-LCA tool.
Each release is a milestone we’re proud of. LCAlink is entirely self-funded by Capana Group, remains freely available, and we’re committed to keeping it that way. Progress may be steady, but every update shows that we’re pushing ahead, staying true to our mission, and enjoying the journey as we go.
This year’s release focuses on making it easier to reuse work, improve data transparency, and strengthen integration pathways with other tools, all while keeping pace with the latest Revit versions.
What’s New in LCAlink 4.0
The key features in this release reflect our goal of reducing rework, improving workflows, and giving you more control over your data:
Transfer material assignments across projects – One of the most requested features: you can now move material mappings from one project to another. No more starting from scratch. Previous work can be reused and adapted, saving time and ensuring consistency across projects.
Export raw data sheets – Access the underlying datasets in a clear, structured format. This allows the user to dig deeper into their results and perform an additional audit before exporting into their selected LCA tool.
Phase filtering at export – A clearer ability to filter out different project phases when exporting, giving you more flexibility and control over the datasets you generate.
Compatibility updates – LCAlink now supports Revit 2025 and 2026. It took us longer than we’d hoped, but we got there! With these versions now supported, we plan to retire Revit 2024 by the end of the year.
Recent Improvements
Alongside the headline features, we’ve been refining workflows and outputs to make assessments smoother and more detailed:
Grouped mullions by type – Tidier exports and easier-to-read outputs.
Comprehensive material takeoffs – Previous versions often reported only area or volume. LCAlink 4.0 now delivers both, providing a fuller picture of your materials across every component.
Detailed export breakdowns – The export templates have been expanded to show all BIM types included in the analysis, giving clearer traceability between the model and the data.
Tool integrations in progress – We’re developing API connections, starting with eTool. This is the first step in making LCAlink more adaptable and seamlessly connected with the wider ecosystem of LCA tools.
Why It Matters
Embodied carbon reporting is a fast-moving space within the building and construction industry. Designers, consultants, and researchers are under pressure to deliver more accurate results, in less time, with growing regulatory and industry demands.
By allowing material assignments to be transferred between projects, LCAlink 4.0 directly reduces duplication of effort. By providing raw data exports and more detailed takeoffs, it improves transparency and flexibility in how results are used and communicated. And by starting to build tool integrations, it lays the foundation for a more interconnected carbon assessment ecosystem, where LCAlink can sit alongside (or inside) other tools and platforms.
In short: this release gives users more ways to adapt LCAlink to the realities of their workflow.
Looking Ahead
LCAlink remains completely free to use, and we’re committed to keeping it that way. Each release builds toward a more reliable, practical, and connected tool for assessing embodied carbon in the built environment.
Version 4.0 is another step in that journey, helping you work smarter, not harder, and bringing us closer to a future where carbon accounting is second nature to every design process.
With the significant improvements since our last tutorials, we also plan to release updated guides to help users get the most out of the newer versions. Next, we’re exploring how automation and AI can make this even easier. No promises, but stay tuned for LCAlink 5.0!
Keep the Feedback Coming
LCAlink is a community-driven tool. Every update is shaped by feedback from users who are testing, trialling, and applying it on real projects.
If you find bugs, or have suggestions for improvements, please share them on the forum. If you’d like to discuss LCAlink further, you can also reach us directly at info@lcalink.co.nz. We’ll do our best to fix issues quickly and explore how your ideas can shape the next release.
