Environmental Impacts over the Life Cycle of Residential Buildings Using Different Exterior Wall Systems

Abstract

This study analyzed the environmental impacts of a single-story residential building using different exterior wall systems. The environmental impacts over the complete life cycle of the residential buildings were determined and compared using the following indicators: air pollution index, energy consumption (embodied and operational), global warming potential, resource use, solid waste emissions, and water pollution index. The exterior wall systems analyzed were concrete block, poured in-place concrete, insulated concrete, traditional 0.05 m×0.1 m by 0.4 m ( 2 in.×4 in. by 16 in.) on center wood frame, traditional 0.05 m×0.15 m by 0.6 m ( 2 in.×6 in. by 24 in.) on center wood frame, and steel stud framing. Additionally, structural insulated panels were modeled for the operational energy of the building. For each scenario, the designs were based on the minimum R value required by the International Building Code. ATHENA, a life-cycle assessment software tool, and eQuest, an energy usage modeling software to...