We talk to a lot of architects and we see a clear trend in their work. As the requirements for the overall footprint we all leave behind change, so do different industries. For architects, this is very much about taking an important part of the sustainability work early on in the projects they work on.
As a result, LCA (life cycle assessment) has become a crucial tool for architects focused on creating sustainable buildings. These metrics help architects analyze and reduce the environmental impact of a building project throughout its lifecycle - from material selection to construction, use and waste management. We've picked up some of what our architect friends are saying about LCA and what tips they have for getting started and using these metrics as an advantage in their everyday work.
The architect's role in sustainability and LCA
Architects play a key role in reducing the environmental impact of buildings throughout their lifecycle. By integrating life cycle analysis into the design process, the architect can choose the most environmentally friendly materials and solutions already in the early phases. This provides a better basis for sustainable choices that affect resource consumption, emissions and energy use.
LCA also helps architects document a project's environmental benefits, which can be crucial for meeting the requirements of certification systems such as BREEAM and LEED. Through LCA, architects can contribute to flexible, durable and circular buildings that support a sustainable construction industry.
The expert tips on LCA
So what do you need to consider before getting started with LCA as an architect? Are there any major pitfalls to avoid or important steps to take in a particular order? Here's our summary of our architect friends' thoughts and considerations
Tip 1: Start early with LCA
Successful LCA work starts early in the project. When LCA is integrated into the early stages, you have more flexibility to make sustainable choices that impact the entire project. By starting with LCA early on, you can identify the most sustainable materials and solutions, laying the foundation for a more environmentally friendly building.
Tip 2: Find the right LCA tool
There are many LCA tools on the market, and the right choice depends on the needs of your project. When selecting an LCA tool, consider factors such as ease of use, ability to compare different materials, and support for international environmental standards such as BREEAM and LEED. Some popular LCA tools for construction projects include One Click LCA, SimaPro and Gabi, all of which offer great features for architects.
Tip 3: Gather the right data and resources
Correct data is essential for a reliable lifecycle analysis. As an architect, you can use resources such as environmental product declarations (EPDs) and databases of certified environmental data for building materials. These resources provide the necessary information on the impact of materials throughout their life cycle, which is crucial for accurate LCA results. Having the right data makes it easier to understand and compare the environmental impact of different materials.
Tip 4: Prioritize material selection based on LCA results
Use the LCA results actively to assess and prioritize materials. LCA can provide insight into which materials have the least environmental impact, allowing you to choose alternatives with a lower carbon footprint. By analyzing the environmental impact of materials in advance, you can reduce both resource use and emissions, thus contributing to a more sustainable building.
Tip 5: Use LCA to compare alternatives
One of the great advantages of LCA is the ability to compare different options for material selection and construction. With a good LCA tool, you can quickly get an overview of how different choices affect the project's total environmental footprint throughout all stages. This makes it easier to adjust design and material choices according to sustainability goals and customize solutions that support the project's environmental ambitions.
Tip 6: Document the LCA work
The LCA analyses and results should be thoroughly documented. Documentation ensures that the project keeps track of all decisions related to environmental impact and makes it easier to communicate the results to clients, certification bodies and authorities. This can also contribute to learning in future projects, as the documentation provides a good basis for evaluating what worked and what could have been done differently.
Read also the article "What are the most important standards related to LCA?" which emphasizes the importance of documentation in the LCA process to meet standards such as BREEAM and LEED.
Tip 7: Keep up to date and learn from other projects
Sustainable architecture and LCA are rapidly evolving fields, and there are always new resources, trends and tools to learn from. Architects can benefit from keeping up to date with the latest innovations in LCA and participating in sustainable building networks and seminars. You can also explore past projects where LCA has been a key part of the design process to get practical input for your own projects.
In other words, with LCA, you as architects can make sustainable choices throughout the construction process. By starting early, choosing the right tools, collecting reliable data, documenting the analyses and staying up to date, you can create a construction project that meets environmental requirements and sustainability goals. Let these tips be your guide to getting started with LCA and contributing to a greener construction industry.
