A Review of the Fundamentals and Concepts of Building Life Cycle Assessment and Its Analytical Methods
Subject Areas : Life Space JournalAmirhossein Janzadeh 1 , sasan moradi 2 , مریم ارمغان 3
1 - Ph.D. Candidate, Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, Qazvin Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qazvin, Iran.
2 - Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture, Qazvin Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qazvin, Iran.
3 - Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture, Qazvin Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qazvin, Iran.
Keywords: Building Life Cycle Assessment, Environment, Carbon Dioxide, Buildings, Embodied Energy, Operational Energy.,
Abstract :
Building Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) serves as an effective tool for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and minimizing environmental impacts, making it critical in addressing climate crises. Despite growing awareness of LCA’s significance, the practical knowledge necessary for its implementation remains limited, posing challenges to fully leveraging its potential for decarbonizing the construction industry. This study explores the principles and methodologies of LCA while analyzing relevant literature to identify solutions for mitigating environmental impacts and emissions associated with buildings across various stages of their lifecycle. The research emphasizes reducing carbon dioxide emissions during production, construction, and operational phases, raising the question of how LCA can contribute to minimizing environmental degradation in the built environment. Using a descriptive-analytical methodology, the study examines fundamental principles, international frameworks, and guidelines to conduct a comprehensive analysis of environmental impacts throughout a building’s life cycle. The findings highlight the importance of accounting for both embodied and operational energy in LCA as an efficient and practical approach to assessing a building’s environmental footprint. Moreover, the study underscores the value of integrated input-output-based analytical methods as complementary tools for achieving more comprehensive and precise environmental assessments.
The concept of embodied energy, encompassing the total energy consumed during the extraction, processing, transportation, and assembly of building materials, is a critical component in LCA. This study reveals that neglecting embodied energy often leads to an incomplete understanding of a building’s environmental impact. Operational energy, which pertains to the energy used for heating, cooling, lighting, and other activities during a building’s operational phase, also plays a significant role. By integrating these two aspects, the research demonstrates how LCA can provide a holistic perspective on environmental performance. Furthermore, this study examines advanced analytical methods, including hybrid approaches that combine process-based and input-output-based LCA techniques. These hybrid methods offer a more nuanced understanding of environmental impacts by addressing the limitations of traditional LCA approaches. For instance, process-based LCA often provides detailed insights at the expense of broader system boundaries, while input-output-based LCA covers extensive boundaries but may lack specificity. By combining these methods, the study highlights the potential for achieving greater accuracy and reliability in environmental assessments. In addressing the practical challenges of implementing LCA in the construction industry, the research identifies key barriers such as the lack of standardized methodologies, limited expertise among practitioners, and inadequate integration with existing design and construction workflows. To overcome these challenges, the study proposes several actionable recommendations. One such recommendation is the integration of LCA with Building Information Modeling (BIM) tools. The research also emphasizes the importance of specialized training programs to equip architects, engineers, and other stakeholders with the necessary skills to effectively apply LCA principles.
Additionally, the study advocates for the development of national standards and guidelines tailored to specific climatic and environmental conditions. These standards would ensure consistency in LCA practices while addressing regional variations in resource availability, energy mix, and construction techniques. By aligning LCA methodologies with local contexts, the study argues, policymakers and industry leaders can enhance the relevance and applicability of LCA in promoting sustainable construction practices. The research also explores the potential for LCA to drive innovation in the construction industry. By identifying hotspots of environmental impact, LCA can inform the development of new materials, technologies, and design strategies that prioritize sustainability. By incorporating these innovations into LCA frameworks, the construction industry can accelerate its transition toward a more sustainable future. Collaboration among architects, engineers, policymakers, researchers, and industry professionals is essential for addressing the multifaceted challenges associated with LCA implementation. The research calls for the establishment of interdisciplinary working groups and forums to facilitate knowledge exchange and foster a shared commitment to sustainability goals.
In conclusion, this study highlights the transformative potential of LCA as a tool for reducing the environmental impacts of buildings and achieving sustainable development. By addressing both embodied and operational energy, integrating advanced analytical methods, and overcoming practical barriers, LCA can provide a robust framework for evaluating and improving the environmental performance of buildings. The study’s recommendations including specialized training programs, and the development of context-specific standards offer a roadmap for enhancing LCA’s applicability in the construction industry. Ultimately, the research underscores the critical role of LCA in promoting sustainability and resilience in the built environment.
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