Abstract
In Spain, most businesses are medium to small size enterprises, representing 90% of the total, but there is a lack of studies of the types of building this sector uses. The main objective of this paper is to present a method for the evaluation of small industrial construction projects to facilitate the introduction of eco-efficient solutions. For this, it is necessary to identify the most representative buildings and the aspects of these which have the most environmental impact. A methodology in place for the evaluation of dwelling construction is adapted, for the first time, to evaluate industrial buildings. The construction solutions characterized are those traditionally used in the sector, as identified through 87 surveys. A standardized classification of work units is proposed to enable the use of environmental product information, such as eco-labels and/or EPD, and LCA databases. The carbon footprint (CF) and water footprint (WF) are the indicators selected because of their straightforward message. Finally, a comparative analysis is performed showing the high recycling potential of concrete and cement which, along with metals and aggregates, control the impact in terms of CF. With respect to the WF indicator, plastic substitute aggregates are among the materials with the greatest impact.
Highlights
The building sector contributes between 30 and 40% of the total CO2 emissions generated by society (European Parliament–Council of the European Union 2018)
This information can be tailored to the project specifics, the project bill of quantities and environmental product information, such as that obtained for the specific materials and products from eco-labels, self-declarations and environmental product declarations (EPDs)
The project construction units and its quantities are grouped by families of materials according to their nature; the family of concrete and cement, used in the foundation and enclosures, having the highest consumption in terms of weight
Summary
The building sector contributes between 30 and 40% of the total CO2 emissions generated by society (European Parliament–Council of the European Union 2018). 305/2011 concerning construction products promotes the assessment of the sustainable use of resources and the environmental impact of construction sites, and where available, recommends that environmental product declarations should be used. There are international standards in place to quantify these impacts by means of life-cycle assessment (LCA). ISO 14021:2017), and the assessment of building life cycles In the case of Spain, Royal Decree 187/2011 recognizes environmental product declarations (EPD) or Type III ecological labels in accordance with standard UNE-EN. Sustainable urban development [1] is mainly focused on climate change and resource conservation, which can be applied to building construction, starting with material production and transport and continuing through construction activities and usage.
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