Examining the Decision Criteria for BIM–LCA: A Case Study

Abstract

Building information modeling–life cycle assessment (BIM–LCA) has become a key tool in promoting environmental sustainability in construction projects. Existing literature has explored the application of BIM–LCA in selecting sustainable materials. However, there is a lack of detailed examination of the decision-making process for selecting materials based on BIM–LCA. Therefore, this study was guided by the following question: How can the decision-making process for BIM–LCA be improved? A case study based on the comparative analyses of specific flooring systems, such as hardwood and nylon-based carpets, was evaluated to answer the question. The Tally® BIM plug-in with incorporated geographic and climatic data was used to perform Tool for Reduction and Assessment of Chemicals and Other Environmental Impacts (TRACI) LCA analyses on a Revit-generated model. The results showed that hardwood flooring systems outperformed nylon-based carpets in several environmental impact indicators (EIIs), including global warming potential (7,673.5 < 11,159.18 kg CO2 eq), ozone depletion (−2.9767E−07 < 4.63E−04 kg CFC-11eq), and renewable energy use (177,882.42 > 5,766 MJ). However, nylon-based carpet performed better than hardwood in other EIIs, such as acidification (37.5357 < 66.5156 kg SO2 eq), eutrophication (7.26639 < 7.34547 kg Neq), smog formation (465.1 < 1,355.75 kg O3 eq), and non-renewable energy demand (185,720 < 198,251 MJ). These mixed results provide an inconclusive basis for decision-making and highlight potential areas for improving the BIM–LCA decision-making process. By implication, the study provides insights for clients and permits approval teams to ensure environmental sustainability in projects proactively.