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Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in Earth Construction: A Systematic Literature Review Considering Five Construction Techniques

Author

Listed:
  • Deborah Arduin

    (Geobiotec Research Unit, Geosciences Department, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal)

  • Lucas Rosse Caldas

    (Architecture Graduate Program (PROARQ), Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Cidade Universitária, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro CEP 21941-901, Brazil)

  • Rayane de Lima Moura Paiva

    (Civil Engineering Program—COPPE, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Cidade Universitária, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro CEP 21941-972, Brazil)

  • Fernando Rocha

    (Geobiotec Research Unit, Geosciences Department, University of Aveiro, Campus Universitário de Santiago, 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal)

Abstract

In the past decade, there has been an increase in the environmental performance assessment in earth construction through the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. A Systematic Literature Review verified LCA methodology trends of five earth construction techniques from 2016 to April 2022, resulting in 27 studies. The results have been analyzed through qualitative thematic analysis, considering LCA methodology. Considering embodied carbon (GWP) and embodied energy, transportation and binder content were the main factors that influenced environmental performance. Hence, earth-based constructions exhibit better results in different impact categories than conventional materials. Environmental guidelines and technical features that were presented in the LCA studies are discussed for Adobe, Cob, Rammed Earth (RE), Compressed Earth Block (CEB), and Light Straw Clay (LSC). This study presents environmental benchmarks at the unit, wall, and building scales aiming to encourage LCA methodology applied to earth construction techniques and fostering the discussion of earth construction sustainability.

Suggested Citation

  • Deborah Arduin & Lucas Rosse Caldas & Rayane de Lima Moura Paiva & Fernando Rocha, 2022. "Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in Earth Construction: A Systematic Literature Review Considering Five Construction Techniques," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(20), pages 1-30, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:20:p:13228-:d:942604
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Youngman Seol & Seungjoo Lee & Jong-Young Lee & Jung-Geun Han & Gigwon Hong, 2021. "Excavation Method Determination of Earth-Retaining Wall for Sustainable Environment and Economy: Life Cycle Assessment Based on Construction Cases in Korea," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(5), pages 1-21, March.
    2. Ben-Alon, L. & Loftness, V. & Harries, K.A. & Cochran Hameen, E., 2021. "Life cycle assessment (LCA) of natural vs conventional building assemblies," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 144(C).
    3. Tao Zhang & Qi Ding & Qinian Hu & Bin Liu & Weijun Gao & Dian Zhou & Hiroatsu Fukuda, 2020. "Towards Rural Revitalization Strategy for Housing in Gully Regions of the Loess Plateau: Environmental Considerations," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(12), pages 1-27, June.
    4. Camilla Mileto & Fernando Vegas & Carmen Llatas & Bernardette Soust-Verdaguer, 2021. "A Sustainable Approach for the Refurbishment Process of Vernacular Heritage: The Sesga House Case Study (Valencia, Spain)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(17), pages 1-18, August.
    5. Christoforou, Elias A. & Fokaides, Paris A., 2016. "Life cycle assessment (LCA) of olive husk torrefaction," Renewable Energy, Elsevier, vol. 90(C), pages 257-266.
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    Cited by:

    1. Stefania De Gregorio & Giulia Di Domenico & Pierluigi De Berardinis, 2023. "Sustainable Architecture in Developing Countries: Harvest Map of the Lusaka Territory, Zambia," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(8), pages 1-17, April.

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