Implications of using systematic decomposition structures to organize building LCA information: A comparative analysis of national standards and guidelines- IEA EBC ANNEX 72
Paper in proceeding, 2020

Introduction: The application of the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) technique to a building requires the collection and organization of a large amount of data over its life cycle. The systematic decomposition method can be used to classify building components, elements and materials, overcome specific difficulties that are encountered when attempting to complete the life cycle inventory and increase the reliability and transparency of results. In this paper, which was developed in the context of the research project IEA EBC Annex 72, we demonstrate the implications of taking such approach and describe the results of a comparison among different national standards/guidelines that are used to conduct LCA for building decomposition. Methods: We initially identified the main characteristics of the standards/guidelines used by Annex participant countries. The “be2226” reference office building was used as a reference to apply the different national standards/guidelines related to building decomposition. It served as a basis of comparison, allowing us to identify the implications of using different systems/standards in the LCA practice, in terms of how these differences affect the LCI structures, LCA databases and the methods used to communicate results. We also analyzed the implications of integrating these standards/guidelines into Building Information Modelling (BIM) to support LCA. Results: Twelve national classification systems/ standards/guidelines for the building decomposition were compared. Differences were identified among the levels of decomposition and grouping principles, as well as the consequences of these differences that were related to the LCI organization. In addition, differences were observed among the LCA databases and the structures of the results. Conclusions: The findings of this study summarize and provide an overview of the most relevant aspects of using a standardized building decomposition structure to conduct LCA. Recommendations are formulated on the basis of these findings.

Author

B. Soust-Verdaguer

University of Seville

A. García Martínez

University of Seville

C. Llatas

University of Seville

J. C. Gómez de Cózar

University of Seville

Karen Allacker

KU Leuven

D. Trigaux

KU Leuven

EnergyVille / VITO

E. Alsema

W/E Consultants

B. Berg

Branz

D. Dowdell

Branz

W. Debacker

EnergyVille / VITO

R Frischknecht

treeze Ltd.

L. Ramseier

treeze Ltd.

J. Veselka

Czech Technical University in Prague

M. Volf

Czech Technical University in Prague

P. Hajek

Czech Technical University in Prague

A. Lupíšek

Czech Technical University in Prague

Z. Malik

Czech Technical University in Prague

Guillaume Habert

Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zürich (ETH)

Alexander Hollberg

Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zürich (ETH)

Chalmers, Architecture and Civil Engineering, Building Technology

Sébastien Lasvaux

Haute Ecole Specialisee de Suisse occidentale

B. Peuportier

Mines ParisTech

F. Pomponi

Edinburgh Napier University

L. Wastiel

Belgian Building Research Institute

V. Gomes

State University of Campinas

O. Zara

State University of Campinas

M. Gomes

Federal University of Espírito Santo

A. Gusson Baiocchi

State University of Campinas

L. Pulgrossi

State University of Campinas

C. Ouellet-Plamondon

Université du Québec

A. Moncaster

Open University

R. di Bari

Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics (IBP)

R. Horn

Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics (IBP)

K. Lenz

Fraunhofer Institute for Building Physics (IBP)

M. Balouktsi

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)

T. Lützkendorf

Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT)

M. Röck

Technische Universität Graz

E. Hoxha

Technische Universität Graz

Alexander Passer

Technische Universität Graz

IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science

17551307 (ISSN) 17551315 (eISSN)

Vol. 588 2 022008

World Sustainable Built Environment - Beyond 2020, WSBE 2020
Gothenburg, Sweden,

Subject Categories

Construction Management

Environmental Analysis and Construction Information Technology

Other Civil Engineering

DOI

10.1088/1755-1315/588/2/022008

More information

Latest update

12/17/2020