Integrated life-cycle analysis

Abstract

Although assessment models exist for evaluating buildings after they are designed, the problem is creating an appropriate tool for the design team to use during the design process to create sustainable (green) buildings. An integrated, life-cycle-oriented design tool (LEGOE) is proposed and its general criteria identified for use in practice including the scope of methods as well as their scalability over the manufacture, construction, use, cleaning, maintenance, refurbishment and recycling/waste cycles of the building and its components. The design tool is compared with assessment tools for green buildings. The integration of basic methods of life-cycle analysis (LCA), in particular energy and massflow analysis, into the normal practice environment (CAAD, specification and quantity surveying, energy need and building physics calculation, comfort and health risk appreciation) is considered. Feedback from the initial practical applications of the integrated tool is discussed. Conclusions concern the time-span for the development and diffusion of new integrated tools in the planning, design and specification processes.