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Learnings from Developing a Context-Specific LCA Tool for Buildings—The Case of LCAbyg 4

Author

Listed:
  • Kai Kanafani

    (Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, 2740 Aalborg, Denmark)

  • Regitze Kjær Zimmermann

    (Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, 2740 Aalborg, Denmark)

  • Freja Nygaard Rasmussen

    (Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, 2740 Aalborg, Denmark)

  • Harpa Birgisdóttir

    (Department of the Built Environment, Aalborg University, 2740 Aalborg, Denmark)

Abstract

Buildings are a major cause of global resource consumption, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and other impacts on the environment, originating from both operational energy and material use. Informed design decisions can help mitigate potential impacts on the environment, by the use of life cycle assessment (LCA) in the early project stages. In order to mitigate building environment impacts throughout the industry, architects and engineers need tools that are integrated in the design workflow and based on the information available. Existing LCA tools for building design professionals are predominantly embedded in a specific context such as a country or a sustainability scheme. This paper provides learnings for the development of context-tailored tools for building-LCA using the case of Denmark, with specific focus on GHG-emissions that are in focus worldwide. Based on stakeholder involvement, four key areas were defined: Default information, flexibility, environmental design feedback and transparent results. Tool functions include a component library and a quantity estimator for bridging incomplete building information. A comparison monitor displays the performance of design solutions selected in the model, while a number of graphs and tables provide analysis of inventory and results. Finally, a customisable model data export, a complete input/output file for revision and custom analysis are among key functions for transparency.

Suggested Citation

  • Kai Kanafani & Regitze Kjær Zimmermann & Freja Nygaard Rasmussen & Harpa Birgisdóttir, 2021. "Learnings from Developing a Context-Specific LCA Tool for Buildings—The Case of LCAbyg 4," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(3), pages 1-23, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:3:p:1508-:d:491159
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Christi L. Saunders & Amy E. Landis & Laurel P. Mecca & Alex K. Jones & Laura A. Schaefer & Melissa M. Bilec, 2013. "Analyzing the Practice of Life Cycle Assessment," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 17(5), pages 777-788, October.
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    Cited by:

    1. Roni Rinne & Hüseyin Emre Ilgın & Markku Karjalainen, 2022. "Comparative Study on Life-Cycle Assessment and Carbon Footprint of Hybrid, Concrete and Timber Apartment Buildings in Finland," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(2), pages 1-24, January.
    2. Regitze Kjær Zimmermann & Simone Bruhn & Harpa Birgisdóttir, 2021. "BIM-Based Life Cycle Assessment of Buildings—An Investigation of Industry Practice and Needs," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(10), pages 1-21, May.

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