Environmental evaluation of a prefab construction method employed to build the Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases

Abstract

As a result of the global pandemic of Covid-19, there was a need to adjust to the sanitary tragedy that occurred during this time, which stimulated the construction of emergency support units to support the existing health system. In the study presented in this paper, the authors evaluate the potential environmental impacts of modular typologies through quantification and analysis of carbon emissions of a typical hospitalar module throughout its life cycle. A systematic Life Cycle Assessment analysis was carried out to quantify GHG emissions related to the construction of a module of the Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases in Brazil and understand the benefits of reuse and recycling processes by comparing a single-use scenario to a cradle-to-cradle approach. Another objective is to compare Polyisocyanurate (PIR), Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) and Rock wool when used as insulation, given that their thermal performance is similar but their density influences the impact rates. Overall, EPS panels present a better environmental performance while maintaining thermal comfort standards found in comparison to rock wool and PIR boards. Lastly, concrete for the slab was responsible for the highest emission rates of kg CO2eq/module year, followed by the rigid PIR foam and steel in the production and sanitary landfill disposal stages.