Purpose <p>This study aims to identify the most effective solutions for industry practitioners engaged in sustainable decision-making during early to mid-design stages, by evaluating eight life cycle assessment (LCA) software tools relevant to New Zealand’s construction sector.</p> Methods <p>A comprehensive literature review and direct software investigation developed a detailed assessment framework. The framework comprises six key performance categories and uses a hybrid rating system that combines threshold and point-based evaluation methods.</p> Results <p>Results show that SimaPro and openLCA outperform other tools in terms of database integration, functionality, and overall usability. However, the assessment also reveals that no tool is without limitations. Common issues include limited functionality, inconsistent output results, and complex user interfaces. Findings from this study highlight the urgent need for standardised databases and user-friendly design across platforms.</p> Conclusions <p>The study offers practical recommendations to guide software developers, policymakers, and general practitioners toward more consistent, carbon-conscious LCA practices.</p>