Crippa, J; Boeing, L C; Caparelli, A P A; da Costa, M R M M; Scheer, S; Araujo, A M F and Bem, D (2018) A BIM–LCA integration technique to embodied carbon estimation applied on wall systems in Brazil. Built Environment Project and Asset Management, 8(5), pp. 491-503. ISSN 2044-124X
Abstract
Purpose: Aiming to simplify the extraction of embodied carbon data using a building information modeling (BIM) software, the purpose of this paper is to present a framework that integrates BIM and life cycle assessment (LCA), which are useful to the architecture, engineer and construction (AEC) industry. As a further purpose, this study also tests four different wall systems. Design/methodology/approach: The study applies design science research and it presents a framework that integrates BIM and LCA. For analysis and validation, a case study features four different wall systems costs based on the Brazilian context. In the proposed framework, SimaPro8 accomplishes the LCA, while ArchiCAD 19 the modeling. Findings: The first analysis covers embodied carbon and the second covers the total cost of each m² of wall. The proposed framework performs well, and it is effective in the Brazilian context. Concerning the walls, the wood frame system is the most sustainable option within this analysis and the most financially feasible option in Brazil. Originality/value: The present study contributes to embodied carbon data analysis, ensuring that the best choice of elements and components is being used in the building project. This BIM–LCA integrated solution is valuable not only to the AEC industry and to professionals, but also to future researchers. This analysis is of great value to new ventures, since the society shows a great concern about reducing GHGs emissions.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | assessment; BIM; building life cycle; carbon footprint; sustainability; sustainable buildings; sustainable design |
| Index terms: | option, modelling, integrated solution, validation, sustainable building, integration, methodology, estimation, engineer, life cycle assessment, wood, building life cycle, Brazil, society, case study, sustainable design, data analysis, design science research, building information modelling, embodied carbon, carbon footprint |
| Subjects: | design practice, research methods, traditional and composite building materials, Geography, sustainable construction, design process, professional development, organizational analysis, asset management, decision analysis, communities and social development, information systems, profession, data collection methods, environmental impact, innovation studies, data analysis and analytics, analytical methods, financial and cost management |
| Topics: | Design Practice, Digital Applications, Organizational Design, Research Practice, Geographical Context, Information Management, Engineering Principles, Construction Materials, Cost Management, Business Strategy, Sustainability, Risk Management, Stakeholder Management, Roles and Professions |
| Descriptive scope: | 5 PCTEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here