Selman, A D; Heiselberg, H L; Gade, P N and Gade, A N (2022) Exploring designer’s attitudes and challenges in the life cycle assessment of buildings in Denmark. In: Tutesigensi, A and Neilson, C J (eds.) Proceedings of 38th Annual ARCOM Conference, 5-7 September 2022, Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK.
Abstract
Requirements on building’s carbon footprint are being incorporated into various European countries' legislative frameworks. By 2023 the Danish legislation requires performing Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) for all new buildings. However, studies show that few designers have experience in LCA or are yet equipped to work with it, lacking research on designers' attitudes and experienced challenges in LCA application. Through Activity Theory analytical framework, this study explores designers' attitudes in LCA application, unfolding the perceived challenges. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with six respondents involved in building design, including architectural technologists and engineers with various experiences in LCA. Results reveal that organisations use increased resources in an LCA, as it is a complex and demanding task. The main challenges were lack of LCA experience, lack of information, and data inconsistency. However, results indicate an overall green transition within the organisations, understanding the expected consequences of adapting LCA and the importance of materials choice. Establishing standards to support LCA in building regulations is necessary, designing buildings back wiser.
| Item Type: | Conference Paper (Paper) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | life cycle assessment; building design; challenges; activity theory |
| Index terms: | Denmark, analytical framework, architectural technologist, designer, engineer, activity theory, life cycle assessment, legislation, interview, carbon footprint, building regulation, building design |
| Subjects: | theoretical framing, Geography, regulatory law, data collection methods, profession, practitioner, environmental impact, architectural design, data analysis and analytics, legal systems |
| Topics: | Design Practice, Legal Issues, Research Practice, Geographical Context, Roles and Professions, Sustainability |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
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