The construction industry is one of the largest contributors to global greenhouse gas emissions, resource use and waste generation. With a growing focus on sustainability, it has become increasingly important to understand and mitigate the environmental impact of construction projects throughout their lifecycle. Life cycle assessment (LCA) has become a crucial tool for evaluating and optimizing this impact, and for contributing to more sustainable construction practices. But what are the specific challenges of LCA in the construction industry? And what solutions exist to overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges to adopting LCA in the construction industry is the complexity of the different parts of the construction process. A building involves a large number of materials, technologies and stakeholders, making it difficult to collect accurate data for all parts of the lifecycle. One solution to this is to develop standardized databases that provide reliable and up-to-date data on the environmental impact of materials. Such databases can help to simplify data collection and analysis.
We often find that LCA is implemented late in the design process, limiting opportunities to influence key decisions. To counteract this, LCA should be integrated as early as possible and preferably already when the first line is drawn. This makes it possible to identify and assess environmental impacts at a time when changes will lead to minimal additional costs and maximum impact. The use of digital tools and models, such as BIM, can help bring LCA into the design phase at an early stage.
There are different methodologies and approaches to LCA, which can lead to inconsistent results when comparing projects. To address this, the industry should work towards harmonizing LCA practices, preferably through national or international standards. This can help to ensure consistency and reliability in assessments.
Find out which LCA standards are most important!
We must also recognize that conducting a full LCA can be both time- and resource-intensive, which can be a challenge - especially for smaller projects or companies. To overcome this, simplified LCA tools and methods can be developed to focus on the most critical aspects of environmental impact without significantly compromising accuracy.
There are several projects where good LCA analysis has resulted in highly sustainable projects. The Urtekvartalet factory, a construction project in Oslo, is what many would call a role model for sustainable construction in Norway. The project was rated as "Excellent" in the BREEAM certification, confirming its high environmental standards .
The building integrates energy-efficient solutions, the use of environmentally friendly materials and good indoor climate solutions. A key element of the project has been the extensive use of LCA to evaluate and minimize the building's environmental impact throughout its life cycle, from material selection to energy use during operation and finally disposal.
In Sweden we find another project; SPACE. This is a modern laboratory and it has become the first facility to receive NollCO2 certification. This certification is specifically aimed at reducing the climate footprint of buildings, both during construction and in the operational phase .
The project has used LCA as an important tool for identifying and reducing greenhouse gas emissions related to both material selection and energy use. With a focus on innovative solutions for energy and material use, SPACE has set a new standard for sustainable buildings in Sweden.
To achieve certifications such as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method), LCA plays a key role. Both certification systems require extensive documentation of environmental impact throughout the building's life cycle.
In LEED certification, LCA is used to optimize material selection and resource use. For example, points can be earned for using materials that have a lower environmental impact assessed through an LCA. This includes, for example, recycled materials, materials with a low carbon footprint, and those that can contribute to energy savings over the life of the building.
BREEAM assesses several aspects of sustainability, and LCA is a key component. It is used to assess the environmental impact of materials, energy performance and other factors that contribute to the building's overall level of sustainability. BREEAM certification also requires developers to carry out an LCA early in the process, so that the results can inform design decisions that reduce negative environmental impacts.
In order to build a more sustainable future, it's crucial that we know all the factors and pressures we place on the environment in which we operate. That means knowing, not believing - and that's exactly what a good LCA analysis helps us do!