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Tag: Study type: Screening LCA

A-17 Accounting of on-site capital goods (e.g. construction ma-chinery, bungalows…)

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Aspect A-17 Accounting of on-site capital goods (e.g. construction machinery, bungalows…)
Description
 Various capital goods can be found on a construction site, such as construction machinery (skid-steer loaders, bulldozers), cranes, and the bungalows for the workers. These capital goods are generally used by a construction company on different construction projects. In this context, it is important to assess the depreciation of capital goods, and allocate the impacts of their manufacture to a certain amount for one construction site. Should capital goods be included in complete LCA studies? Is there necessarily a deviation from EN 15978?

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 building products screening LCA simplified LCA complete LCA
Provisions The capital goods may be included in complete LCA if they are relevant for the goal and scope of the study (e.g. a construction company might have more interest than a building designer in this aspect).The capital goods may be taken into account in screening and simplified LCA using default values, or they may be optional, owing to the lack of data.
Rules from:
 EN 15978: 
7.4.3.3 Boundary of the on-site processes (Module A5)
9.4.3 Criteria for the exclusion of inputs and outputs
Guidance
 The practitioner should use detailed calculation based on specific data for complete LCA, and refer to the cut-off rules guidance, if relevant.The capital goods may be assessed in screening and simplified LCA by using default values. LCA data can be calculated using LCA data for building products (as a proxy) if no more precise data are available on complete capital goods (e.g. a crane is composed of x% of steel, y%…, etc.) This aspect may be neglected for most construction projects, owing to its minor relevance.

A-18 Water and energy demand – screening and simplified LCA

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Aspect

A-18 Water and energy demand – screening and simplified LCA
Description
 This aspect concerns the water and energy demand on the construction site. Energy and water are consumed both for the construction of the building and for the workers’ accommodation.

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 building products screening LCA simplified LCA complete LCA
Provisions Water and energy consumption on the construction site should be considered in accordance with the corresponding study type. It may be included in the context of a screening or simplified LCA.
Rules from:
 EN 15978: 8.5 Scenarios for the construction process stage (Modules A4-A5) 
Guidance
 The practitioner should use default values (ratios) for screening and simplified LCA. Such data can be defined with stakeholders. Practitioners should refer to the guidance on cut-off rules, if relevant.

A-20 Construction wastes – screening and simplified LCA

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Aspect

A-20 Construction wastes –  screening and simplified LCA
Description
 The construction of a building generates considerable cutting waste. Should such waste be considered in the context of a screening or 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 building products screening LCA simplified LCA complete LCA
Provisions Construction waste may be included in a screening or simplified LCA if it is relevant for the goal and scope of the study (e.g. a construction company might have more interest than a building designer in this aspect).
Rules from:
 EN 15978: 
8.5 Scenarios for the construction process stage (Modules A4-A5)

EN 15804: 
6.2.3 A4-A5, Construction process stage, information modules
Guidance
 In some EPDs, waste during installation into the building may be documented. The practitioner should use default values (e.g. ratios) for screening and simplified LCA. This information might be a default loss of product on site per type of product, or else the practitioner might use a global average, e.g. 5%, to see whether this aspect is significant in the final LCA results. If a construction waste is included, the impact of production related to the loss of product should be quantified within Module A5.WRAP has consulted with UK industry and has provided baseline and good practice wastage rates for most construction material types, which could be used in the absence of other data.

A-22 Prefabrication of building products – screening and simplified LCA

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Aspect

A-22 Prefabrication of building products – screening and simplified LCA
Description
 This aspect refers to the off-site construction assembly of prefabricated products such as reinforced concrete. Should the off-site construction be considered in the context of a screening or 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 building products screening LCA simplified LCA complete LCA
Provisions Prefabrication should be considered in the context of a screening or simplified LCA. The manufacture of building products should be included in Modules A1–A3, and their transport in Module A4. Only the impacts of their installation (waste, machinery etc.) are included in Module A5, based on cut-off rules.
Rules from:
 EN 15978: 8.5 Scenarios for the construction process stage (Modules A4-A5)
Guidance
 The practitioner should use default values (e.g. based on generic data or ratios) for screening or simplified LCA. Such data can be defined with stakeholders.

B-03 Maintenance with screening LCA

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Aspect B-03 Maintenance with screening LCA
Description
 Maintenance is defined as the combination of all planned actions during the service life to maintain the product installed in a building in a state in which it can deliver its required functional and technical performance. Maintenance 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 The maintenance procedure refers only to planned action in response to anticipated losses of performance of building components and building parts. Building modifications in response to unexpected events (e.g. flood, inappropriate use, or vandalism) should be considered as reparation (B3), and may be ignored in the context of a screening LCA.The maintenance scenario is optional for a screening LCA, and may be neglected in many cases. The boundaries of the maintenance scenario may be defined according to the goal and scope of the study (see ‘Maintenance with complete LCA’ and ‘Maintenance with simplified LCA’ for guidance).
Rules from:
 EN 15978:
7.4.4.1 General
7.4.4.3 Boundary for maintenance (Module B2)
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  – B2 Maintenance
7.3.3.1 B1–B5 use stage related to the building fabric
Annex A
Guidance
 If a maintenance scenario is to be developed, it is recommended that the following building parts be addressed, in order of priority:

  • roofing and roof framework;
  • façades, exterior joinery work and windows;
  • partitioning, lining, suspended ceilings;
  • Floor finishes and covering,  walls and ceiling coverings;
  • HVAC (heating – ventilation – cooling – DHW).

Refer to ‘Maintenance with complete LCA’ and ‘Maintenance with simplified LCA’ in this guidance document.

B-03 Maintenance – product LCA

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Aspect B-03 Maintenance – product LCA
Description
 Product LCAs can have different system boundaries, which can include or exclude maintenance.

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 consideration of maintenance is subject to the study type definitions. For complete LCA studies, the aspect should be considered in line with the cut-off criteria; for screening and simplified LCA studies, this aspect is optional.
Rules from:

EN 15804

 6.3.4.4.1 General
6.3.4.4.2 B1-B5 Use stage information modules related to the building fabric6.3.5 Criteria for the exclusion of inputs and outputs
Guidance
 For many construction products, no predictable maintenance procedures exist during the product life cycle, e.g. for the studwork in an internal wall or a concrete floor structure. However, for some products, such as flooring, regular cleaning is required. Many products (e.g., windows, internal walls, ceilings) also require regular surface maintenance, e.g. repainting.For complete LCA studies: Maintenance should be considered where it is likely to have a significant impact based on the cut-off rules. Specifically, if maintenance is likely to have more than 5% input by mass of total inputs over life cycle stages B1–B5 it must be considered.Where it is unclear whether an activity should be considered as maintenance, repair, replacement or refurbishment, the most suitable module should be chosen and justified (refer to aspect B-32 ‘Distinction between Modules B2, B3, B4 and B5 for further guidance’).

Maintenance processes at the product level should be considered on the basis of the most likely scenario or scenarios (e.g., Scenario 1, window in Finland vs. Scenario 2, window in Slovenia, other aspects being the same, e.g. orientation, exposure etc. – the likely recommended intervals for repainting the same window will vary depending, on this scenario).

See the section 3.4 on service life planning for guidance on the development of scenarios.

In cost terms, regular maintenance visits to check equipment can be significant, although the only environmental impact is associated with the transport of staff to the site. See aspect A-02 (transport of staff) for more information.

All processes B1 to B5 should include the impacts associated with the process. For maintenance, the impact of producing and transporting the materials used, the impact of the maintenance activity, e.g. water and energy used, and the impact of disposing of any waste produced, e.g. waste water from cleaning, need to be considered. These impacts may be aggregated, and reported as a single process, or broken down and reported separately to enable alternative scenarios to be generated. This may be helpful where there are significant variations between scenarios.

B-04 Repair – product LCA

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Aspect B-04 Repair – product LCA
Description
 For product LCA, the repair module should not be included in the baseline scenario. Additional scenario could be developed to demonstrate the effects of repair scenario(s).

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 consideration of repair is subject to the study type definitions. This aspect is optional: product modification during service life should be divided between the maintenance and replacement modules for the baseline scenario (refer to aspect B-32 ‘Distinction between Modules B2, B3, B4 and B5 for further guidances’). However, an additional scenario including repair may be developed. The aspect should be considered in line with the cut-off criteria.
Rules from:

EN 15804

 6.3.4.4.1 General

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

6.3.5 Criteria for the exclusion of inputs and outputs
Guidance
 For many construction products no predictable repair procedures exist during the product life cycle (e.g. for the studwork in an internal wall, or a concrete floor structure). However, repair can be predicted for some products, such as glazed front doors.

For complete LCA studies: For product LCA, the repair module should not be included in the baseline scenario. Repairs could be considered where they are likely to have a significant impact, based on the cut-off rules; specifically, repairs should be considered  if they are likely to have more than 5% input by mass of total inputs over life cycle stages B1–B5. In these cases, repair may be included within an additional scenario.

Where it is unclear whether an activity should be considered as maintenance, repair, replacement or refurbishment, the most suitable module should be chosen and justified (refer to aspect B-32 ‘Distinction between Modules B2, B3, B4 and B5 for further guidances’).

Repair processes at the product level should be considered on the basis of the most likely scenario.

See the section 3.4 on service life planning for guidance on the development of scenarios.

All processes B1 to B5 should include the impacts associated with the process. For maintenance, the impact of producing and transporting the materials used, the impact of the maintenance activity, e.g. water and energy used, and the impact of disposing of any waste produced, e.g. waste water from cleaning, need to be considered. These impacts may be aggregated, and reported as a single process, or broken down and reported separately to enable alternative scenarios to be generated. This may be helpful where there are significant variations between scenarios.

B-05 Products within complex systems

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Aspect B-05 Products within complex systems
Description
 When does a product need to be considered within the context of a system (e.g. an energy storage or energy-generating product)?

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 A product needs to be considered within the context of a system whenever it is part of the system that provides the overall product’s function, i.e. part of the object of assessment.The assessment of one individual product is not sufficient if the product’s function is given only within a more complex system. Then the entire system has to be assessed; the impacts of the product can be calculated from comparison with a reference scenario without the product’s function if this is possible, or else with an alternative state-of-the-art solution.
Rules from:

EN 15804

 EN 15804 introduces the concept of EPDs as information modules, which can be aggregated to provide complete information at the building level.
Guidance
 LCAs can be undertaken for products, collections of products grouped into components (such as a door, cladding system or heating system), collections of products grouped into building elements such as an external wall or roof, for prefabricated parts of buildings such as ‘bathroom pods’ or temporary accommodation, and for construction processes such as cleaning or demolition.EN 15804 has been written to allow EPDs for any of these products, components, elements or parts of building or construction processes to be compatible, because they are built up from ‘information modules’ for products and construction processes in a logical and consistent way.

An LCA dataset for a precast concrete panel could be built up from  LCA datasets for cement, aggregate, reinforcement, concrete additives etc. An LCA dataset for a cladding system could be built up from LCA datasets for float glass and aluminium extrusion etc. The gate-to-grave sections of the LCA dataset can be developed with more certainty, as the use stage of the LCA dataset can be defined more specifically in a building. This is linked to the aspect G-06 (Distinction between the declared unit and the functional unit’).

The gate-to-grave modules of an EPD for a precast concrete floor panel can be much more specific, because its typical use can be envisaged much more clearly, and any defined scenario is more likely to be applicable.

The same principle applies for products and components that are part of a greater energy supply system. If their function can only be addressed adequately if the overall system’s function is assessed, then the entire system should be part of the object of assessment and be accounted for.

B-06 Repair with screening LCA

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Aspect B-06 Repair with screening LCA
Description The repair module covers all corrective, responsive or reactive treatment of a building product or construction works to return it to a condition in which it can deliver its required functional and technical performance. It covers only the partial replacement of components and building parts (in case of failure), and should be distinguished from the replacement module, which is related to the complete replacement of component and building parts.

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 Repair is optional in the context of a screening LCA. For provision and guidance, please refer to the aspect ‘Repair with complete LCA’ of the present document.The reparation procedure refers only to corrective, responsive or reactive actions in response to losses of performances of a building component or building part.Repair is distinguishable from maintenance and replacement by the following aspects [EN 15804]:

  • Maintenance is a planned (proactive) action that maintains component performance, whereas repair is a corrective (reactive) action in response to damage.
  • Replacement covers the complete replacement of a component, whereas repair covers only replacement of sub-components.

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

  • production of the repaired part of the component and ancillary products;
  • transportation of the repaired part of the component and ancillary products, including production impacts;
  • aspects of any losses of materials during transportation;
  • the process of repairing the part of component and ancillary products;
  • waste management of the removed part of the component and of ancillary products;
  • the end-of-life stage of the removed part of the component and of ancillary products.

However, in the context of a screening LCA, only the production of the replaced component/repaired part should be included.
Rules from: EN 15978:
7.4.4.1 General7.4.4.4 Boundary for repair (Module B3)
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  – B3 Reparation
7.3.3.1 B1–B5 use stage related to the building fabric
Annex A
Guidance Repair is optional in the context of a screening LCA, and may be neglected in many cases. For provision and guidance, please refer to the aspects ‘Repair with complete LCA’ and ‘Distinction between Modules B2, B3, B4 and B5 for further guidance’ of the present document.

B-09 Inclusion of energy and materials for repair

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Aspect B-09 Inclusion of energy and materials for repair
Description
 The inclusion of energy and water use, material use, etc. is framed by standards EN 15804 and EN 15978. The EeBGuide provides additional information and guidance on how (and when) to include or exclude a given aspect of the study.

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

  • production of the repaired part of the component and ancillary products;
  • transportation of the repaired part of the component and ancillary products, including production impacts;
  • aspects of any losses of materials during transportation;
  • the process of repairing the part of component and ancillary products;
  • waste management of the removed part of the component and of ancillary products;
  • the end-of-life stage of the removed part of the component and of ancillary products.

Water and energy usage related to the repair process should always be included. However, repair is considered optional. Please refer to the aspects ‘Repair with complete LCA’, ‘Repair with simplified LCA’ and ‘Repair with screening LCA’ for further detail.
Rules from:
 EN 15978:7.4.4.1 General

7.4.4.4 Boundary for repair (Module B3)

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  – B3 Reparation

7.3.3.1 B1–B5 use stage related to the building fabric

Annex A
Guidance
 In the context of simplified and screening LCA, only the production of the replaced component or repaired part need be included.Please refer to the aspects ‘Repair with complete LCA’, ‘Repair with simplified LCA’ and ‘Repair with screening LCA’ for further detail.