A Life-Cycle Approach to Investigate the Potential of Novel Biobased Construction Materials toward a Circular Built Environment

Conventional construction materials which rely on a fossil-based, nonrenewable extractive economy are typically associated with an entrenched linear economic approach to production. Current research indicates the clear interrelationships between production and use of anthropogenic climate change. This paper investigates potential for emerging high-performance biobased materials, produced sustainably and/or using waste byproducts, enable more environmentally sustainable built environment. Life-cycle assessment (LCA) is employed compare three wall assemblies local in Montreal (Canada), Nairobi (Kenya), Accra (Ghana) vs. traditional gypsum boards rockwool insulation. Global warming potential, cumulative energy demand, acidification eutrophication freshwater consumption (FWC) considered. Scenarios include options design disassembly (DfD), as well future alternatives electricity supply Kenya Ghana. Results indicate that all have lower (often significantly so) life-cycle impacts per functional unit, compared construction. DfD strategies also shown result −10% −50% impact reductions. The results both African countries exhibit large dependence source used manufacturing, significant decarbonization, but some tradeoffs terms eutrophication.