Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a scientific methodology that measures the environmental impacts of a building at all stages, from the raw material of construction materials to production, transport, operation, and ultimate demolition. LCA, which provides points advantage in green building certification processes (LEED, BREEAM), also directly serves sustainable material selection and buildings reaching their net-zero carbon targets.
Why is Life Cycle Assessment critical for green buildings?
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) comprehensively measures the carbon emissions, water consumption, and total environmental impact of a building throughout its lifespan. This allows architects and engineers to select materials with the lowest ecological footprint, facilitating the path to net-zero goals.
Green Building Consultant Canan Özdemir said, "Without a Life Cycle Assessment, claiming a building is green is impossible; LCA provides the transparent and scientific proof of the actual ecological footprint left throughout its life."
What stages does a typical LCA study cover?
A typical LCA study consists of four main phases: Definition of goal and scope, inventory analysis (listing all inputs and outputs), impact assessment (calculating global warming, acidification, and other impacts), and interpretation. These phases are conducted according to ISO 14040/44 standards.