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What is an LCA? 3 Examples of Life-Cycle Assessments in Building Projects
A Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a powerful tool used to measure the complete environmental impact of a building project. It evaluates the carbon footprint and other environmental effects throughout a building's life, across four key stages: production, use, end-of-life, and beyond. Below are three examples of how LCAs can guide decisions for more sustainable building projects.
Example 1: Architects – Designing a Sustainable Office Building
An architect designing an eco-friendly office building can use LCA during the design phase to guide material choices. By inputting data into LCA software, the architect can compare the environmental impact of materials like concrete, cross-laminated timber (CLT), and recycled steel. For instance, CLT may offer a lower carbon footprint than traditional materials, helping the architect make data-driven decisions that balance sustainability and cost-effectiveness.
Example 2: Developers – Assessing Operational Energy Efficiency
A developer planning a new apartment complex can use LCA to optimize the building’s energy efficiency and reduce its overall carbon footprint. By analyzing design elements such as insulation, HVAC systems, and glazing, the developer can select options that minimize both operational energy use and embodied carbon. This allows for an informed decision that balances energy savings, lower emissions, and financial return over the building’s life cycle.
Example 3: Engineers – Comparing Insulation Materials
An engineer selecting insulation for an energy-efficient office building can use LCA to evaluate the environmental trade-offs between materials like extruded polystyrene (XPS) and cellulose fiber. XPS may offer better thermal performance but has higher embodied carbon, while cellulose fiber has a lower environmental impact. LCA helps the engineer weigh these factors and choose the most sustainable option for long-term environmental benefits.
By using LCA, architects, developers, and engineers can make informed decisions that reduce the environmental impact of their building projects from start to finish.
Together Symetri and One Click LCA support your decarbonization journey, read the full article here.
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