China Li-ion Battery Carbon Footprint Database v1.2.0

The China Li-ion Battery Carbon Footprint Database (CLBD) is jointly developed by the China Electronics Standardization Institute, Beijing CESI Certification Co., Ltd., Tsinghua University, Kunming University of Science and Technology, and HiQLCD. It supports product carbon footprint accounting, life cycle assessment (LCA), environmental impact assessment, and sustainable development decision-making across the Li-ion battery industry chain.

What's new in v1.2.0

CLBD v1.2.0 contains 601 LCI datasets covering more than 190 reference products. Compared with v1.1.0, this version adds 82 datasets, expanding coverage of battery cells, cathode and anode materials, key auxiliary materials, and battery components. It also refines production processes, product specifications, and technology routes.

• Cell products: Prismatic LFP cells with capacity specifications including 20 Ah, 50 Ah, and 100 Ah.
• Anode materials: Pitch-based hard carbon, silane CVD deposition and carbonized sintered silicon-carbon anodes, and corresponding technology mixes.
• Battery chemicals: Cobaltosic oxide (Co₃O₄), iron(II) oxalate dihydrate, and other chemicals.
• Current collectors and key auxiliary materials: Ceramic-coated lithium battery separators, carbon nano conductive slurry, aluminum foil blank, and electrolytic copper foil in different thicknesses.
• Battery components and adhesive materials: Li-ion battery tab assemblies from different manufacturing processes, polyimide high-temperature tape, synthetic resin expansion tape, polyester tape, and PET battery tape.

The added data covers production mix and consumption mix activities under the cut-off system model. This version also normalizes names and metadata for selected existing datasets to improve consistency and usability.

Database features and advantages

Standardized development and review

The database follows ISO 14040, ISO 14044, and mainstream LCA methodological specifications. Its development process combines standardized substance nomenclature, data collection, database entry workflows, product carbon footprint models, and data review and quality evaluation. HiQEditor supports traceable development and updates.

ILCD-compatible data

The data follows International Life Cycle Data System (ILCD) specifications. Unit process modelling produces LCI inventory and LCIA results, supported by documentation and a transparent calculation process.

Coverage across the battery value chain

Version 1.2.0 covers more than 190 substance types, including mineral resources, metal salts, auxiliary materials, battery chemicals, cathode and anode materials, cells, packs, and recycling. Process-specific modelling distinguishes technology routes; lithium carbonate datasets, for example, cover brine electrodialysis, adsorption-based extraction, lithium mica and spodumene sulfuric acid roasting, and technology mixes.

China-specific and enterprise-based data

Modelling is based on enterprise foreground data. More than 85% of the data originates from 2020 onward. The database prioritizes self-developed datasets and the HiQLCD China-local database for upstream links, and includes mining and washing data from major domestic producing regions for resources such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and manganese.

Software and format compatibility

The database supports ILCD XML and JSON and can be used with LCA software including SimaPro, GaBi, openLCA, and JimuLCA.