Automation of embodied carbon calculation in digital built environment- tool utilizing UK LCI database

Abstract

Global and governmental pressures have been acting as motivators towards delivering sustainable and low carbon buildings. One of the main sources responsible for carbon in buildings is embodied carbon that depends on material choices. Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a methodology developed to assess the materials, using embodied factors throughout the whole life cycle of the material. Although there are promising possibilities for incorporating LCA with building information modelling platforms, dynamic,early design assessment and automated integration still lacking. This paper proposes a novel framework and tool for automating embodied carbon calculations within the BIM environment. The approach leverages literature reviews and hands-on exploration to establish the foundation of a BIM-integrated LCA tool. The proposed tool aims to provide vital information for informed decision-making, minimizing errors, and facilitating low carbon building design. Ultimately, this framework could enhance early decision making, reduce error, time, effort and accelerate iterative design assessment.