Search Results (62)

The construction industry is a major consumer of raw materials and a significant contributor to environmental emissions. Life cycle assessment (LCA) using digital models is a valuable tool for conducting a science-based analysis to reduce these impacts. However, transferring data from environmental product declarations (EPDs) to BIM for the purpose of sustainability assessment requires significant resources for its interpretation and integration. This study is founded on a comprehensive review of the scientific literature and standards, an analysis of published digital EPDs, and a thorough evaluation of IFC (industry foundation classes), identifying twenty gaps for the automated incorporation of LCA data from construction products into BIM. The identified limitations were assessed using the digital model of a building pilot, applying simplifications to incorporate actual EPD data. This paper presents the identified barriers to the automated incorporation of digital EPDs into BIM, and proposes eleven concrete actions to improve IFC 4.3. While prior studies have analyzed the environmental data in IFC, this research is significant in two key areas. Firstly, it focuses on the direct machine interpretation of environmental information without human intervention. Secondly, it is intended to be directly applicable to a revision of the IFC standards. Full article

The aviation industry is under increasing pressure to reduce its environmental impact while maintaining safety and performance standards. One promising area for improvement lies in the use of sustainable materials in airport infrastructure. One of the issues preventing uptake of emerging sustainable technologies is the lack of guidance relating to the opportunities, potential benefits, associated risks and an implementation plan specific to airport pavements. This research reviewed opportunities to incorporate waste materials into rigid airport pavements, focusing on concrete base slabs. Commonly used supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), such as fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) were considered, as well as recycled aggregates, including recycled concrete aggregate (RCA), recycled crushed glass (RCG), and blast furnace slag (BFS). Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) were also used to quantify the potential for environmental benefit associated with various concrete mixtures, with findings showing 23% to 50% reductions in embodied carbon are possible for selected theoretical concrete mixtures that incorporate waste materials. With considered evaluation and structured implementation, the integration of waste materials into rigid airport pavements offers a practical and effective route to improve environmental outcomes in aviation infrastructure. It was concluded that a Triple Bottom Line (TBL) framework—assessing financial, environmental, and social factors—guides material selection and can support sustainable decision-making, as does performance-based specifications that enable sustainable technologies to be incorporated into airport pavement. The study also proposed a consequence-based implementation hierarchy to facilitate responsible adoption of waste materials in airside pavements. The outcomes of this review will assist airport managers and pavement designers to implement practical changes to achieve more sustainable rigid airport pavements in the future. Full article

Achieving carbon neutrality in the building sector is essential for addressing the global climate crisis. However, the production stage—which contributes to over 29% of a building’s life cycle carbon emissions (CE)—poses significant challenges for consistent carbon performance assessment due to the diversity of building materials and the uniqueness of individual building projects. These factors often lead to inconsistent evaluation results across assessors and the fragmented management of carbon data at the project level. This study proposes the Zero Carbon Building Index (ZCBI), a quantitative assessment method that incorporates embodied carbon from raw material extraction, transportation, and manufacturing. ZCBI enables the evaluation of carbon neutrality performance at the material level and supports the identification of reduction potentials in the production stage. A classification system was developed to evaluate CE during production, creating reference buildings for residential and non-residential purposes. Additionally, a Korean Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) database was established by incorporating CE data from 797 EPD-certified materials. Carbon reduction (CR) and ZCBI values were analyzed by categorizing CE variations across manufacturers into the lowest, average, and highest values. The results showed that CR for apartment complexes ranged from 42.1 to 311 kgCO₂e/m², with ZCBI values between 8.84% and 65.30%, and those for business facilities ranged from 40.9 to 264 kgCO₂e/m², with ZCBI values from 8.59% and 55.43. The proposed ZCBI framework provides a basis for optimizing material selection to reduce emissions and may evolve into a comprehensive carbon neutrality assessment covering the entire construction process. Full article

Agriculture and food production can cause a variety of adverse environmental impacts. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is the only standardised method so far that provides a comprehensive assessment of the environmental burden of products. LCA results can be expressed as environmental impacts (midpoint level) or environmental damage (endpoint level). Communication on environmental impact is mostly carried out as a part of the Carbon Footprint (CF) or Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), while reporting on environmental damage is rarely used. Due to the growing interest of consumers in ‘healthy’ food, it is important that food producers address the environmental damage. Therefore, an overview of existing Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) methods that provide insight into endpoint indicators describing damage to human health has been performed and presented in this paper. The application of the selected LCIA methods is demonstrated for the case of food products, highlighting the fact that the results obtained by different LCIA methods are not directly comparable due to a variety of methodological limitations, such as the existence of different environmental indicators and their structure. Finally, the usage of the LCA method for designing food products is presented, with the aim of enabling consumers to choose diets with lower environment and human health impacts. Full article

Benchmark studies of the environmental impacts of buildings often overlook the contribution of lighting systems. This omission presents a significant knowledge gap, especially given the growing focus on energy-efficient technologies and sustainable building designs. To address this gap, the life cycle assessment method was used to calculate the environmental impacts of lighting systems, focusing on the Global Warming Potential (GWP) indicator. An in-depth review of databases and programs across the 27 European Union member states was also conducted. The study analyzed both the absolute and relative contributions of lighting systems to the overall environmental impacts of buildings, with a specific focus on the situation in Denmark. A total of 101 Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) covering 753 LED lighting products were identified. Material-related impacts accounted for 1–12% of the total GWP, while energy used during operations contributed 6–24%. These results emphasize the importance of both embodied and operational impacts. Improving the luminous efficacy of lighting systems emerges as a more effective and feasible strategy to reduce a building’s GWP than lowering overall energy use or grid carbon intensity. In countries with high-carbon electricity, reducing the operational impacts is critical. Elsewhere, selecting lighting systems with low embodied impacts is also essential. Full article

As energy efficiency measures have reduced the operational carbon footprint of buildings, the significance of embodied carbon has increased. Efforts by all construction players, including material and component manufacturers, are needed to avoid burdens shifting towards embodied impacts. Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) can represent useful instruments to push the decarbonization of construction materials. This study examines EPDs to assess the embodied GWP of insulation materials, bricks, concrete, cement, steel, and natural stones. The variance structure of the GWP was studied for each material, the main variation parameters were detected, and statistically significant categories were identified. For each category reference values were calculated (i.e., mean or median values, lower and upper interquartile ranges, and box plot whiskers) which can be useful for manufacturers to reduce the impact of their products, for EPD verifiers to detect outliers, and for designers to determine safety coefficients for using EPD data in the early design stage. Consolidated results were achieved for materials produced through standardized processes whose GWP variability was mainly structured around universal physical properties or production techniques. More localized or artisanal products demonstrate higher decarbonization potential but require further segmentation and additional GWP data to establish more robust reduction benchmarks. Full article

The decarbonization of the building sector is essential to mitigate climate change, aligning with the EU’s Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) and the transition from near-Zero-Energy Buildings (nZEBs) to Zero-Emission Buildings (ZEBs). This study introduces a novel and streamlined Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, in accordance with EN 15978, to holistically evaluate the Global Warming Potential (GWP) of buildings. Our approach integrates a calibrated dynamic simulation of operational energy use, performed with DesignBuilder, to determine precise operational CO₂ emissions. This is combined with a comprehensive assessment of embodied emissions, encompassing construction materials and transportation phases, using detailed Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). Applied to the IndUVa nZEB case study, the findings reveal that embodied emissions dominate the life cycle GWP, accounting for 69%, while operational emissions contribute just 31% over 50 years. The building’s use of 63.8% recycled materials highlights the transformative role of circular economy strategies in reducing embodied impacts. A comparative analysis of three energy-efficiency scenarios demonstrates the IndUVa building’s exceptional performance, achieving energy demand reductions of 78.4% and 85.6% compared to the ASHRAE and CTE benchmarks, respectively. This study underscores the growing significance of embodied emissions as operational energy demand declines. Achieving ZEBs requires prioritizing embodied carbon reduction through sustainable material selection, recycling, and reuse, targeting a minimum of 70% recycled content. By advancing the LCA framework, this study presents a pathway for achieving ZEBs, driving a substantial reduction in global energy consumption and carbon emissions, and contributing to climate change mitigation. Full article

This paper presents a literature review exploring the end-of-life (EoL) scenarios for mass timber, focusing on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), and circular principles. Despite its claimed environmental benefits, significant gaps exist in standardising LCA methodologies, including inconsistent system boundaries, challenges with time-dependent emissions, and limited integration of circular strategies. The literature review evaluates four primary EoL scenarios: reuse, recycling, energy recovery, and landfill. Reuse is identified as the most sustainable option, extending material lifespans and minimising environmental impacts, followed by recycling. Energy recovery is considered a fallback, while landfill remains the least desirable. Design for Disassembly and Reuse (DfD&R) is highlighted as critical for promoting circularity, though economic, market, and regulatory barriers hinder widespread adoption. The conclusion of this literature review calls for several thematic topics including harmonised LCA practices, policy reforms, and industry awareness to optimise EoL strategies for mass timber. By addressing these challenges, the building sector can better align with circular economy goals, reducing environmental burdens and supporting global climate targets. Full article

The urban public lighting system plays a fundamental role in enhancing safety and shaping the nocturnal identity of the city. Efficient lighting is also a key factor in reducing energy consumption and lowering atmospheric emissions. In the context of sustainable development goals, increasing attention is being directed towards the energy, social, economic, and environmental benefits associated with the adoption of LED lighting systems. This paper aims to assess the environmental impacts of two different public outdoor lighting replacement planning scenarios. The methodology employed in this study calculates the environmental impacts using a life cycle approach, incorporating data from the Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) of the lighting systems. It involves a systematic census and categorization of lighting fixtures based on their installation year to determine both their quantity and average efficiency. This methodology, applied to a case study, demonstrates that it is possible to reduce the CO₂-equivalent emissions by approximately 7% depending on the technical and environmental performance of the fixtures and the timing of their replacements. These results provide a scientific foundation for supporting both the preparation of planning tools by governance entities and the technical and economic feasibility of designing and implementing interventions aimed at improving the environmental performance of public lighting. These efforts could contribute to achieving climate neutrality, conserving biodiversity, and mitigating the effects of climate change. Full article

Standard carbon accounting methods and metrics undermine the potential of fast-growing biogenic materials to decarbonize buildings because they ignore the timing of carbon uptake. The consequence is that analyses can indicate that a building material is carbon-neutral when it is not climate-neutral. Here, we investigated the time-dependent effect of using fast-growing fibers in durable construction materials. This study estimated the material stock and flow and associated cradle-to-gate emissions for four residential framing systems in the US: concrete masonry units, light-frame dimensional timber, and two framing systems that incorporate fast-growing fibers (bamboo and Eucalyptus). The carbon flows for these four framing systems were scaled across four adoption scenarios, Business as Usual, Early-Fast, Late-Slow, and Highly Optimistic, ranging from no adoption to the full adoption of fast-growing materials in new construction within 10 years. Dynamic life cycle assessment modeling was used to project the radiative forcing and global temperature change potential. The results show that the adoption of fast-growing biogenic construction materials can significantly reduce the climate impact of new US residential buildings. However, this study also reveals that highly aggressive, immediate adoption is the only way to achieve net climate cooling from residential framing within this century, highlighting the urgent need to change the methods and metrics decision makers use to evaluate building materials. Full article

The construction industry accounts for over 40% of carbon emissions in the United States, with embodied carbon—emissions associated with building materials and construction processes—remaining underexplored, particularly regarding the impact of location and climate. This study addresses this gap by investigating the influence of different climate zones on the embodied carbon emissions of residential buildings. Using Building Information Modeling (BIM), 3D models were developed based on the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and International Residential Code (IRC). A lifecycle assessment (LCA) was conducted using Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) to evaluate the embodied carbon of building materials during the product stage. The findings reveal that buildings in colder climates exhibit higher embodied carbon emissions, ranging from 25,768 kgCO₂e in Zone 1 to 40,129 kgCO₂e in Zone 8, due to increased insulation requirements. Exterior walls and roofs were identified as significant contributors, comprising up to 34% of total emissions. Sensitivity analysis further indicates that the window-to-wall ratio and interior wall design substantially affect embodied carbon, with baseline emissions around 170 kgCO₂e/m² in warm areas and 255 kgCO₂e/m² in cold areas. These results establish a baseline for lifecycle embodied carbon values across different climate zones in the United States and align with international standards. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers and designers, offering data to inform effective carbon reduction strategies and optimize building designs for sustainability. Full article

The construction industry’s increasing environmental impact has led to the widespread adoption of sustainability claims, yet the prevalence of greenwashing—where organizations make misleading environmental claims—threatens genuine sustainable development efforts. Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) have emerged as a potential solution, particularly in the New Zealand and Australia construction sectors, where recent government climate regulations have accelerated their adoption. However, the effectiveness of EPDs in combating greenwashing and their practical implementation remain understudied. This research addresses this gap through a comprehensive analysis of EPDs in construction, employing a systematic literature review of 82 articles from 2010 to 2024 across major databases. Using ATLAS.ti 9 software, this study makes three key contributions: (1) develops a novel framework for evaluating EPD programs and their effectiveness in preventing greenwashing, (2) establishes a standardized methodology for assessing the completeness and accuracy of life cycle assessment information in EPDs, and (3) provides evidence-based recommendations for improving EPD implementation in the construction industry. The findings reveal critical shortcomings in current EPD practices, including inconsistent assessment methodologies and incomplete life cycle data. This study proposes specific reforms to enhance EPD reliability and transparency, offering practical guidelines for industry stakeholders to verify environmental claims. These contributions advance both the theoretical understanding of environmental certification systems and practical implementation of sustainable construction practices by developing regulatory frameworks. Full article

Sustainable airport buildings aim to minimize environmental impacts through energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste management. This is achieved by employing green building materials and utilizing renewable energy sources to reduce their carbon footprint. In this study, life cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted to assess the environmental impacts of three main construction materials—concrete, steel, and wood—used in sustainable airport buildings. These materials were selected for their widespread use in eight different airport terminal buildings with sustainability certifications. The environmental impacts of these materials were calculated and compared using OpenLCA 1.9.0 software and the ECOinvent database, adhering to the standards set forth by the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) initiative. The findings indicate that wood, as a construction material, has a significantly lower impact on global warming compared to steel and concrete, with a global warming potential (GWP) ratio of less than 60%. Steel, with a GWP of approximately 90% of that of concrete, also showed a lower impact than concrete. Additionally, other environmental impacts, such as stratospheric ozone depletion potential (ODP) and acidification potential (AP), were also examined, highlighting the trade-offs associated with each material. Full article

In an increasingly globalized and sustainability-conscious market, the environmental attributes of products consist of the information of primary importance for the sustainable development of manufacturing companies. The aim of the paper is to statistically analyze the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) reports that have resulted from Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) in the metal products industry based on two parameters: (i) the geographical scope and (ii) the category of the product. During recent years, EPDs have been developed as a tool for the carbon footprint assessment of products; however, they not yet very widely applied by metal-manufacturing companies and/or requested by key stakeholders as customers. Moreover, in the metal industry, the use of EPD reports is not yet as widespread as in other industrial segments such as plastics. The present article is based on the EPD Library of the official website of the International EPD System (Environdec) and the published EPDs of the Institut Bauen und Umwelt e.V. (IBU). Data were extracted, and the relevant information was compiled by using the available filters of the EPD and the IBU Libraries. Based on these data, the number of EPD reports issued by manufacturing companies was examined as per country of origin and product category. Full article

The public housing stock, called social housing, in Italy was developed between the 1950s and the 1980s. As of today, the first residential developments are almost nearing their end-of-life age and are in need of urgent and intensive renovation. The European Commission, with the Renovation Wave, has set a goal of doubling the rate of building renovation over the next 10 years, reducing emissions, improving energy performance, and promoting decarburization. Renovation interventions, including structural, functional, energy, and plant upgrading interventions, etc., are to be preferred over integral demolition and reconstruction interventions, which have significant repercussions in terms of managerial and social discomfort. The case studies examined concern renovation interventions aimed at energy efficiency, functional adaptation of housing, as well as façade restyling. The design variants analyzed were evaluated in terms of CO_2e emissions, according to life cycle inventory (LCI) and Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) approaches. This approach has a twofold purpose: to propose design guidelines, with low CO_2e emissions, through hypotheses of variants in the case studies, and to propose, to the economic operators, economically advantageous bidding scenarios in the procurement process. Full article