Chapter 6: Sustainability

Title: LCA: the state-of-the-art of environmental impact assessment in buildings

Author(s): Elisavet Dimitrokali, Rusdy Hartungi, Joe Howe

Address: School of Built and Natural Environment, University of Central Lancashire (UClan), Preston, PR1 2HE, UK | School of Built and Natural Environment, University of Central Lancashire (UClan), Preston, PR1 2HE, UK | School of Built and Natural Environment, University of Central Lancashire (UClan), Preston, PR1 2HE, UK

Reference: International Conference on Product Lifecycle Management 2009 pp. 313 - 322

Abstract/Summary: The aim of this paper is to provide an analysis of life cycle assessment (LCA), as a holistic approach to overcome environmental issues which have increased in the past few years. LCA is currently the state-of-theart technology to achieve sustainability. It was initially created for creating low environmental impact products and services, however, as environmental problems increased; its usefulness was extended to bigger and more complicated products and services, such as in buildings, even if there have been concerns about LCA's clarity and quality from its use in short lasting products. This paper represents the approaches and practices of LCA and analyzes its use in long lasting products by discussing what the benefits and drawbacks will be. Furthermore, it investigates the role of using LCA to assess buildings, and supports the adoption of LCA within the construction industry. With the use of systematic and integrated tools such as LCA, the full building life cycle will be assessed. Finally, the paper will emphasize the call to develop knowledge that will enhance decision-making in the construction industry and will provide proposed approaches to overcome LCA limitations.

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