Cu-SSZ-13 efficiently catalyzes the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NO by NH 3 but the structure of the active site and, particularly, the redox state of the copper (+I or +II) are still debated. This paper focuses on the possible contribution of Cu I species with a theoretical investigation of adsorption and co-adsorption of NH 3 and H 2 O on Cu I species using quantum chemistry and including dispersion forces. The calculations show that Cu I clearly migrates upon adsorption of NH 3. While Cu I is initially in close interaction with the zeolite framework, it preferentially forms coordination bonds with NH 3 and interacts with the zeolite in its second coordination sphere. The same tendency is calculated with H 2 O, even if the binding energy of H 2 O with Cu I is lower than with NH 3. All the Cu I complexes sit in the cage containing the 8 MR. The confined Cu I complexes interact with the zeolite framework through several H-bonds donated by the NH or OH bonds of the ligands. In the experimental temperature and pressure domain of SCR conditions, calculated phase diagrams show that coordination number of two is predicted for the co-adsorption of NH 3 and H 2 O on Cu I. For pure H 2 O, few stable domains for hydrated species containing Cu I are calculated in contrast with pure NH 3. Finally, the calculated phase diagrams on Cu I-SSZ-13 are discussed together with the more documented diagrams of Cu II-SSZ-13 and recent experimental characterizations, providing a wider picture of the real catalyst in SCR conditions. ORCID D.