How to design buildings with Life Cycle Assessment by accounting for the material flows in refurbishment

Abstract

This paper will analyse and present a detailed overview of ways to design buildings in a circular economy by using Building Life Cycle Assessment and will be based on hundreds of case studies and years of practical experience in the building sector. The theoretical framework is defined by Life Cycle Assessment methodology and indicators and will focus on why performing an LCA is a necessary step to assess sustainable material choices and make design choices that ensure circularity and lower carbon emissions and other environmental impacts through the whole lifecycle of the building. Moreover, the focus will be on integrating Life Cycle Metrics with BIM and other design tools in order to enable making choices in the design stage and taking better decisions on the basis of alternative design suggestions. Finally, the paper will propose actionable, realistic strategies to perform carbon footprint and other LCA-related calculations in a fast, reliable, and cost-effective way. The paper will cover the whole lifecycle of a building, with a strong emphasis on disposal and reuse in a cradle to cradle perspective.