Life Cycle Assessment Framework for Embodied Environmental Impacts of Building Construction Systems

This paper develops a life cycle assessment framework for embodied environmental impacts of building construction systems. The is intended to be used early in the design stage assist decision making identifying sources higher and selecting sustainable alternatives. covers commonly systems such as reinforced concrete (RCC), hot-rolled steel (HRS), light (LSC). system boundary defined from cradle-to-grave plus recycling reuse possibilities. Building Information Modeling (BIM) are integrated developed evaluate energy greenhouse emissions options. inventory data develop were extracted BIM models material quantities, verified Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) production stage, operations end-of-life stages. Application case study university revealed following results. had highest contribution impacts, reaching about 90%. Compared with conventional RCC system, HRS 41% more energy, while LSC 34% less energy. When each was credited net benefits resulting possible recycling/reuse beyond life, 10% 68% Similarly, 29% gas (GHG) emissions, 62% GHG emissions. Sustainability results showed that received zero Leadership Energy Design (LEED) credit points, three LEED five points.