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B-13 Replacement with screening LCA

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Aspect B-13 Replacement with screening LCA
Description
 The replacement module covers the complete replacement of components and building parts if their reference service life is lower than the reference study period. Replacement is optional in the context of a screening LCA.

related study objective

 ☒ stand-alone LCA ☒ comparative assertion

related study phase

 ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
goal and scope definition inventory analysis (LCI) impact assessment (LCIA) interpretation reporting

relevant for
new buildings existing buildings construction products screening LCA simplified LCA complete LCA
Provisions Replacement is optional in the context of a screening LCA.The replacement procedure refers only to planned action in response to anticipated losses of performance of building components and building parts. Replacements should be considered when the reference service life (or eventual design life) of a product or building part is lower than the reference study period.The replacement scenario may cover some of the elements in the following list (item marked with a * are suggested):

  • roof*;
  • windows*;
  • floor finishes and coverings*;
  • refrigeration* and coolants;
  • decorative wall finishes and coatings (e.g. wallpaper, paints);
  • doors;
  • heating, cooling and lighting equipment, and any power-generating equipment (e.g. wind turbines, PV or solar heating)*;
  • equipment for internal transport (e.g. lifts, escalators)*;
  • water and sewerage systems;
  • electrical distribution system.

Replacement of load-bearing structure, exterior and basement walls, floor slabs and foundation should not be considered unless justified, as they usually entail significant building modification.

In any case, the boundaries of the maintenance scenario should be clearly stated.

A replacement scenario at the building scale may be determined on the basis of:

  • individual EPD (cradle to gate with corresponding option, or cradle to grave);
  • client requirements and current practices;
  • product and component manufacturers’ information;
  • existing applicable standards such as ISO 15686-1, -2, -7 and -8 [ISO 15686].

Building modifications in response to unexpected events (e.g. flood, inappropriate use or vandalism) should be considered as reparation (B3), and are thus optional in the context of a screening LCA.

According to EN 15978, the boundary for replacement should include:

  • production of the replaced component and ancillary products;
  • transportation of the replaced component and ancillary products, including production impacts and the aspects of any losses of materials during transportation;
  • the replacement process for the replaced components and ancillary products;
  • waste management of the removed component and of ancillary products;
  • the end-of-life stage of the removed component and of ancillary products.

However, in the context of a screening LCA, only the production of the replaced component need be included.

The frequency of replacement may be determined according to the ‘replacement frequency’ aspect of the present guide.
Rules from:
 EN 15978:
7.4.4.1 General
7.4.4.5 Boundary for replacement (Module B4)
8.3 Time related characteristics
8.6.3 Scenarios for maintenance, repair, replacement

EN 15804:
6.3.3. Reference service life
6.3.4.4.2  – B4 Replacement
7.3.3.1 B1–B5 use stage related to the building fabric
Annex A
Guidance
 If possible, the overall replacement scenario should be consistent with respect to the building structure (e.g. replacement of coating is mandatory when replacing the support). In addition, LCA of an existing building should take into account actual and established practices (real-life data) specific to that particular building.

B-14 Replacement with simplified LCA

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Aspect B-14 Replacement with simplified LCA
Description
 The replacement module covers the complete replacement of components and building parts if their reference service life is lower than the reference study period. Replacement is mandatory for a limited set of building parts and components in the context of a simplified LCA.

related study objective

 ☒ stand-alone LCA ☒ comparative assertion

related study phase

 ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
goal and scope definition inventory analysis (LCI) impact assessment (LCIA) interpretation reporting

relevant for
new buildings existing buildings construction products screening LCA simplified LCA complete LCA
Provisions The replacement procedure refers only to planned action in response to anticipated losses of performance of building components and building parts. Replacements should be considered when the reference service life (or eventual design life) of a product or building part is lower than the reference study period.The replacement scenario should cover at least the elements in the following list (item marked with a * are suggested):

  • roof*;
  • windows*;
  • floor finishes and coverings*;
  • refrigeration* and coolants;
  • decorative wall finishes and coatings (e.g. wallpaper, paints);
  • doors;
  • heating, cooling and lighting equipment, and any power-generating equipment (e.g. wind turbines, PV or solar heating)*;
  • equipment for internal transport (e.g. lifts, escalators)*;
  • water and sewerage systems;
  • electrical distribution system.

The replacement of load-bearing structure, exterior and basement walls, floor slabs and foundation should not be considered unless justified, as it usually entails significant building modification.

In any case the boundaries of the maintenance scenario should be clearly stated.

A replacement scenario at the building scale should be determined on the basis of:

  • individual EPD (cradle to gate with corresponding option, or cradle to grave);
  • client requirements and current practices;
  • product and component manufacturers’ information;
  • existing applicable standards such as ISO 15686-1, -2, -7 and -8 [ISO 15686].

Building modifications in response to unexpected events (e.g. flood, inappropriate use or vandalism) should be considered as reparation (B3), and are thus optional in the context of a simplified LCA.

According to EN 15978, the boundary for replacement should include:

  • production of the replaced component and ancillary products;
  • transportation of the replaced component and ancillary products, including production impacts and the aspects of any losses of materials during transportation;
  • the replacement process for the replaced components and ancillary products;
  • waste management of the removed component and of ancillary products;
  • the end-of-life stage of the removed component and of ancillary products.

However, in the context of a simplified LCA, only the production of the replaced component need be included.

The frequency of replacement may be determined according to the ‘replacement frequency’ aspect of the present guide.
Rules from:
 EN 15978:7.4.4.1 General

7.4.4.5 Boundary for replacement (Module B4)

8.3 Time related characteristics

8.6.3 Scenarios for maintenance, repair, replacement

EN 15804:

6.3.3. Reference service life

6.3.4.4.2 – B4 Replacement

7.3.3.1 B1–B5 use stage related to the building fabric

Annex A
Guidance
 The overall replacement scenario should be consistent with respect to the building structure (e.g. replacement of coating is mandatory when replacing the support).In addition, LCA of an existing building should take into account actual and established practices (real-life data) specific to that particular building.As replacement scenarios are based on the RSLs of building components and building parts, it should be noted that the RSL could be based on empirical, probabilistic or statistical data, and should always taking into account the intended use (description of use) as described in ISO 15686-1, -2, -7 and -8 [EN 15804, Annex A]. Furthermore, a component manufacturer cannot be held responsible for the actual design of the building or the use and application of the product, environment, workmanship or use [EN 15804, Annex A].

Thus:

  • The overall replacement scenario should be consistent with the maintenance scenario.
  • Both maintenance and replacement scenarios should be based on reliable service life data, either included in the EPD, directly provided by the manufacturer, or based on sound research work.

For an existing building, if a component has failed before its reference service life because of inappropriate maintenance, it may be considered as belonging to the repair module instead.

B-15 Replacement with complete LCA

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Aspect B-15 Replacement with complete LCA
Description
 The replacement module covers the complete replacement of components and building parts if their reference service life is lower than the reference study period.

related study objective

 ☒ stand-alone LCA ☒ comparative assertion

related study phase

 ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
goal and scope definition inventory analysis (LCI) impact assessment (LCIA) interpretation reporting

relevant for
new buildings existing buildings construction products screening LCA simplified LCA complete LCA
Provisions The replacement procedure refers only to planned action in response to anticipated losses of performance of building components and building parts. Replacements should be considered when the reference service life (or eventual design life) of a product or building part is lower than the reference study period.A replacement scenario at the building scale should be determined on the basis of:

  • individual EPD (cradle to gate with corresponding option, or cradle to grave);
  • client requirements and current practices;
  • product and component manufacturers’ information;
  • existing applicable standards such as ISO 15686-1, -2, -7 and -8 [ISO 15686].

Building modifications in response to unexpected events (e.g. flood, inappropriate use or vandalism) should be considered as reparation (B3).

According to EN 15978, the boundary for replacement should include:

  • production of the replaced component and ancillary products;
  • transportation of the replaced component and ancillary products, including production impacts and the aspects of any losses of materials during transportation;
  • the replacement process for the replaced components and ancillary products;
  • waste management of the removed component and of ancillary products;
  • the end-of-life stage of the removed component and of ancillary products.

Water and energy usage related to the replacement process should always be included.

The frequency of replacement should be determined according to the ‘replacement frequency’ aspect of the present guide.
Rules from:
 EN 15978:
7.4.4.1 General
7.4.4.5 Boundary for replacement (Module B4)
8.3 Time related characteristics
8.6.3 Scenarios for maintenance, repair, replacement

EN 15804:

6.3.3. Reference service life

6.3.4.4.2  – B4 Replacement

7.3.3.1 B1–B5 use stage related to the building fabric

Annex A
Guidance
 The overall replacement scenario should be consistent with respect to the building structure (e.g. replacement of coating is mandatory when replacing the support). In addition, LCA of existing building should take into account actual and established practices (real-life data) specific to that particular building.As replacement scenarios are based on the RSLs of building components and building parts, it should be noted that the RSL could be based on empirical, probabilistic or statistical data, and should always taking into account the intended use (description of use) as described in ISO 15686-1, -2, -7 and -8 [EN 15804, Annex A]. Furthermore, a component manufacturer cannot be held responsible for the actual design of the building or the use and application of the product, environment, workmanship or use[EN 15804, Annex A].Thus:

  • The overall replacement scenario should be consistent with the maintenance scenario.
  • Both maintenance and replacement scenarios should be based on reliable service life data, either included in the EPD, directly provided by the manufacturer, or based on sound research work.

For an existing building, if a component has failed before its reference service life because of inappropriate maintenance, it may be considered as belonging to the repair module instead

For a new building, replacement frequency and more generally the replacement scenario should be based on service life planning and service life prediction, as described by ISO 15686 series [ISO 15686]. It should be noted that: service life planning can only address foreseeable changes. Since service life planning is concerned with foreseeable risks, it is not applicable to the estimation of obsolescence […] or to defective performance resulting from unforeseeable events or processes [ISO 15686-1, part B.8.2.]. Both cases may be accounted for in the case of existing buildings whenever specific data are available.

The progressive loss of performance of some components has an impact on the overall behaviour of the building (e.g. loss of performance of insulation may lead to an increase of energy demand due to heating). If sufficient data are available these aspects should be addressed by using a sensitivity analysis.

B-16 Refurbishment for screening, simplified and complete LCA

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Aspect B-16 Refurbishment for screening, simplified and complete LCA
Description
 Refurbishment activities refer to the change of major elements or change of use in a building.Do we need to take refurbishment into account in a building LCA?

related study objective

 ☒ stand-alone LCA ☒ comparative assertion

related study phase

 ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
goal and scope definition inventory analysis (LCI) impact assessment (LCIA) interpretation reporting

relevant for
new buildings existing buildings construction products screening LCA simplified LCA complete LCA
Provisions Refer to provisions in the aspect ‘Distinction between Modules B2, B3, B4 and B5’.
Rules from:
 EN 15978:
7.4.4.1 General
7.4.4.6 Boundary for refurbishment (Module B5)
8.3 Time related characteristics
8.6.4 Scenarios for refurbishment

EN 15804:

6.3.4.4.2 B1–B5 Use stage information modules related to the building fabric:

7.3.3.1 B1–B5 Use stage related to the building fabric
Guidance
 Refer to guidance in the aspect ‘Distinction between Modules B2, B3, B4 and B5’. For example, it is recommended that a refurbishment scenario be developed in the case of a significant reference study period (>100 years); as modification of the building use is expected over such a period of time. A refurbishment scenario could also be developed if the reference study period is higher than the reference service life of load-bearing components and structural elements.

7.7 Module B6 – Operational energy use.

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7.7  Module B6 – Operational energy use.

B-17 Operational energy demand for new buildings – Boundaries and scenarios for screening LCA

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Aspect B-17 Operational energy demand for new buildings – Boundaries and scenarios for screening LCA
Description
 Several parameters can influence the results of the energy demand at the operational stage of buildings. Among others, the selection of uses (i.e. building-related or non-building-related uses) has a major significance on the energy demand. European standards (EN 15804/EN 15978) recommend that priority be given to taking building-related uses into account; however, it is obvious that non-building-related appliances significantly influence the energy needs of building-related uses (e.g. the thermal gain of appliances decreases the level of heating demand). How can this aspect can be addressed in screening LCA of new buildings?

related study objective

 ☒ stand-alone LCA ☒ comparative assertion

related study phase

 ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
goal and scope definition inventory analysis (LCI) impact assessment (LCIA) interpretation reporting

relevant for
new buildings existing buildings construction products screening LCA simplified LCA complete LCA
Provisions For screening LCA of new buildings, building-related uses should be accounted for. Other uses may be included according to the object of the assessment. For screening LCA, simplified approaches for calculation or estimation of the operational energy use may be used.
Rules from:
 EN 15978:7.4.4.7 Boundaries for operational energy use

8.6.5 Scenarios for operational energy use – Module B6
Guidance
 For screening LCA, building-related uses defined according to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (2002/91/EC) should be accounted for, possibly by the use of simplified calculation methods or estimates, as specific, detailed energy performance calculations may not be available in the early design stages of a building.The expected performance target for the building may be used to estimate the operational building energy demand. The performance may correspond either to energy label targets or to reference levels set by a national regulation. Energy demand should at least be calculated for building-related uses covered by the EPBD directive (heating, cooling and air conditioning, ventilation, domestic hot water, lightning and auxiliary energy used for pumps, control and automation).The breakdown of the energy demand for each energy carrier may be derived from the energy target according to the expected integrated systems (boiler, ventilation, lighting and cooling systems etc.).

Other energy uses may be included and calculated with the help of conventional or statistical data.

Link between energy consumption values and environmental impacts

Once the energy consumption values are calculated, they need to be associated with generic or specific LCA data for the corresponding process. For example, the number of kWh of electricity in a French building project should be associated with the generic LCA data representing the average mix for the French context.

Other energy sources such as fuel, natural gas, wood and district heating also need a generic LCA data describing only the combustion. To this purpose, the infrastructure (e.g. the boilers) should be accounted for as technical equipment. This equipment contributes to the embodied impacts of a building along with the building products.

B-18 Operational energy demand for new buildings – Boundaries and scenarios for simplified LCA

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Aspect B-18 Operational energy demand for new buildings – Boundaries and scenarios for simplified LCA
Description
 Several parameters can influence the results of the operational energy demand for the use stage of buildings, such as the selection of uses (i.e. building-related or non-building-related uses). European standards (EN 15804/EN 15978) recommend taking account of priority building-related uses such as heating and cooling. However, non-building-related appliances can significantly influence the energy needs of building-related uses (e.g. the thermal gain of appliances decrease the level of heating demand). How can this aspect can be addressed for in simplified LCA of new buildings?

related study objective

 ☒ stand-alone LCA ☒ comparative assertion

related study phase

 ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
goal and scope definition inventory analysis (LCI) impact assessment (LCIA) interpretation reporting

relevant for
new buildings existing buildings construction products screening LCA simplified LCA complete LCA
Provisions For simplified LCA of new buildings, every building-integrated system should be accounted for (including building-related uses as described in the EPBD and other building-integrated systems). Non-building-related systems may be also accounted for, considering a conventional or statistical scenario.
Rules from:
 EN 15978:
7.4.4.7 Boundaries for operational energy use
8.6.5 Scenarios for operational energy use – Module B6
Guidance
 Building-related uses are defined according to the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (2002/91/EC). Energy demand for building-related uses (heating, cooling and air conditioning, ventilation, heating for provision of domestic hot water, lightning) should be calculated either according to national calculation tools and methodology or with the help of thermal dynamic simulation. For comparative assertions the ‘EPA-NR’ calculation tool and methodology can also be used in order to calculate the energy demand on a consistent basis.Building-integrated systems refer to any energy-consuming system required to achieve the expected building functions. They include internal transport (e.g. lifts, escalators), shutters, fire security devices, communication systems, etc.. The energy demand of building-integrated systems may be calculated according to statistical or conventional scenarios.Non-building-related uses include other energy uses such as plug-in appliances (e.g. computers, washing machines, refrigerators, audio, TV) and production- or process-related energy in the use of the building.Scenarios for the calculation of the energy consumption of building-integrated systems and non-building-related uses may reflect statistical or conventional user behaviour. For example, the type and number of appliances and the frequency of use should be calculated according to statistical data if no accurate data are available. The expected performances of user appliances may be taken into account within the calculation, if available (e.g. the consumption of a refrigerator may be estimated according to its certified efficiency).

When no information is available for non-building-related uses, the ratio of consumption provided in EN 15603:2008 (Annex C) may be used.

Link between energy consumption values and environmental impacts

Once the energy consumption values are calculated, they need to be associated with generic or specific LCA data for the corresponding process. For example, the number of kWh of electricity in a French building project should be associated with the generic LCA data representing the average mix for the French context.

Other energy sources such as fuel, natural gas, wood and district heating also need a generic LCA data describing only the combustion. To this purpose, the infrastructure (e.g. the boilers) should be accounted for as technical equipment. This equipment contributes to the embodied impacts of a building along with the building products.

Depending on the goal definition of the study (cf. aspect ‘Classifying the decision context between situation A from B from C’), it is possible to choose, e.g. for the electricity consumption, an average mix or a marginal mix. The marginal effects are usually modelled using consequential modelling (situation B according to the ILCD Handbook). A final option is to choose hourly LCA data, particularly in the case where the thermal simulation results are provided on an hourly basis. This remark is part of the EeBGuide aspect ‘Dynamic LCA data for assessing the impact of electricity consumption’).

B-19 Operational energy demand for new buildings – Boundaries and scenarios for complete LCA

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Aspect B-19 Operational energy demand for new buildings – Boundaries and scenarios for complete LCA
Description
 Several parameters can influence the results of the operational energy demand for the use stage of buildings, such as the selection of uses (i.e. building-related or non-building-related uses). European standards (EN 15804/EN 15978) recommend taking account of priority building-related uses such as heating and cooling. However, non-building-related appliances can significantly influence the energy needs of building-related uses (e.g. the thermal gain of appliances decrease the level of heating demand). How can this aspect can be addressed for in complete LCA of new buildings?

related study objective

 ☒ stand-alone LCA ☒ comparative assertion

related study phase

 ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
goal and scope definition inventory analysis (LCI) impact assessment (LCIA) interpretation reporting

relevant for
new buildings existing buildings construction products screening LCA simplified LCA complete LCA
Provisions For complete LCA of a new building, every building-integrated system should be accounted for (including building-related uses considered in the EPBD and other building-integrated systems). Non-building-related systems may be also accounted for. For complete LCA of new buildings, every energy use occurring in the building may be included.  Scenarios and data for calculation of the energy demand for each energy use should be specific to the object of the study.
Rules from:
 EN 15978:
7.4.4.7 Boundaries for operational energy use
8.6.5 Scenarios for operational energy use – Module B6
Guidance
 For complete LCA, building-related uses considered by the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (2002/91/EC) should be accounted for. Building-related uses (heating, cooling and air conditioning, ventilation, heating for provision of domestic hot water, lightning) should be calculated either according to national calculation methodology or with the help of thermal dynamic simulation.When thermal dynamic simulation is used, hourly consumption data are required to provide precise information on the energy demand, and to enable the calculation of exported energy in the case of on-site production (see aspect ‘Operational energy calculation – Allocation of on-site energy production’, Module 6)Scenarios for calculation of the energy consumption of building-integrated systems and non-building-related uses may reflect statistical or conventional user behaviour. For example, the type and number of appliances and the frequency of use should be calculated according to statistical data if no accurate data are available. The expected performances of user appliances may be taken into account within the calculation if available (e.g. the consumption of a refrigerator may be estimated according to its certified efficiency). For electricity uses the quantification of impacts should take seasonal and daily variation of the electrical mix into account. When available, hourly data should be used first. If they are not available, monthly average data should be used, or annual average data as a last resort.Link between energy consumption values and environmental impacts

Once the energy consumption values have been calculated, they need to be associated with a specific LCA data, e.g. based on industry data if available; otherwise choose generic data of the corresponding process. For example, the number of kWh of electricity in a French building project should be associated with the generic LCA data representing the average mix for the French context.

Other energy sources such as fuel, natural gas, wood and district heating also need a generic LCA data describing only the combustion. To this purpose, the infrastructure (e.g. the boilers) should be accounted for as technical equipment. This equipment contributes to the embodied impacts of a building along with the building products.

Depending on the goal definition of the study (cf. aspect ‘Classifying the decision context between situation A from B from C’), it is possible to choose, e.g. for the electricity consumption, an average mix or a marginal mix. The marginal effects are usually modelled using consequential modelling (situation B according to the ILCD Handbook). A final option is to choose hourly LCA data, particularly in the case where the thermal simulation results are provided on an hourly basis. This remark is part of the EeBGuide aspect ‘Dynamic LCA data for assessing the impact of electricity consumption’).

B-21 Operational energy demand for new buildings – Consideration of user behaviour

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Aspect B-21 Operational energy demand for new buildings – Consideration of user behaviour
Description
 Several parameters influence the results of the energy calculation demand at the operational stage of buildings. Among others, user behaviour may have a major significance on the energy needs. The following section aims at providing guidance for screening, simplified and complete LCA of new buildings.

related study objective

 ☒ stand-alone LCA ☒ comparative assertion

related study phase

 ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐
goal and scope definition inventory analysis (LCI) impact assessment (LCIA) interpretation reporting

relevant for
new buildings existing buildings construction products screening LCA simplified LCA complete LCA
Provisions For stand-alone LCA, scenarios may reflect statistical, conventional or specific user behaviour.For comparative assertions, behaviour scenarios for the calculation of energy use should be identical for each alternative. Any deviation between scenarios should be reported and justified.
Rules from:
 EN 15978:
8.6.5 Scenarios for operational energy use – Module B6
Guidance
 For stand-alone LCA, sensitivity analysis should be carried out in order to estimate the significance of the use of a specific scenario instead of a conventional one.