| 1. |
- di Bari, R., et al.
(författare)
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Buildings LCA and digitalization: Designers' toolbox based on a survey
- 2022
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Ingår i: IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science. - : IOP Publishing. - 1755-1307 .- 1755-1315. ; 1078:1
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- In a context of digitalization and increasing quality requirements, the building sector is facing an increasing level of complexity regarding its design process. This results in a growing number of involved actors from different domains, a multitude of tasks to be completed and a higher degree of needed expertise. New buildings are also required to reach higher performances in terms of environmental quality. To that regard, the exploitation of the full potential of digital tools can facilitate the integration of environmental aspects in the planning process, limit productivity shortcomings and reduce environmental impacts, which can result from an unaware decision making. Building environmental assessment can be performed through several Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)-based tools. “Pure calculation” tools quantify final buildings' environmental potential, while “complex tools” additionally support decision making during the planning process. It is often difficult to choose the best suitable tool, which strongly depends on the user's needs. Within the IEA EBC Annex 72, a survey was realized with the main objective of creating a comprehensive overview of the existing tools dedicated to buildings LCA. The questionnaire included the usability, functionality, compliance, data reliability and interoperability of the analysed tools. Lastly, based on the survey outcomes and their critical assessment, a procedure for the identification and selection of a tool has been proposed based on user's needs. As a result, this work outlines main features of currently available building LCA tools, for which there is a harmonized status in terms of usability and overall applied LCA methodology. Despite the need for more automatized workflows, tools' embedding is mostly not yet applicable in system chains or limited to a restricted number of tools.
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| 2. |
- Theißen, S., et al.
(författare)
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Concept for combining LCA and hazardous building material assessment for decision support using BIM
- 2022
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Ingår i: IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science. - : IOP Publishing. - 1755-1307 .- 1755-1315. ; 1078:1
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- The construction and building sector is responsible for a large part of the world's resource and energy consumption and is considered the largest global emitter of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Hazardous and toxic substances in building materials affect indoor air quality as well as the environment and thus have a high impact on human health, as we spend around 90 percent of our lives in buildings. Life cycle assessment (LCA) and hazardous building material requirements of green building certification systems allow to reduce the environmental and health impacts of building products and materials. However, they are usually very complex and time-consuming to perform and require expert knowledge to use the results for decision support. Digital approaches to support the simplified application of these methods and intuitive visualization of results are becoming increasingly important. Especially Building Information Modeling (BIM) offers a high potential for this purpose, as the integration and linking of geometric and semantic information in 3D-models for LCA and hazardous building material assessment can be done much more efficiently and intuitively. Within the scope of this work, the following three objectives were pursued (1) development of a method for combining LCA and hazardous building material assessment, (2) simplification of the results by converting them into comprehensible indicators for decision support, and (3) implementation of the method in a BIM-based digital assistant for intuitive visualization and communication. The preliminary results show a concept for combined use of LCA and hazardous building material assessment in Germany with differentiation in six use cases. A prototypical implementation as BIM-integrated digital assistant was developed for one of these use cases. For the first time, this prototype provides understandable feedback in real time of LCA and hazardous building material requirements. This research project contributes to the awareness in the context of embodied impacts and low emitting materials in buildings and advances the current digitalization potentials.
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| 3. |
- Galimshina, Alina, 1993, et al.
(författare)
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Bio-based materials as a robust solution for building renovation: A case study
- 2022
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Ingår i: Applied Energy. - : Elsevier BV. - 1872-9118 .- 0306-2619. ; 316
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Boosting building renovation is urgently needed to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Building retrofit can be achieved by energy-efficient measures such as thermal insulation or replacement of a fossil heating system. Currently, conventional materials that are mostly used for envelope insulation raising the risk of a lock-in situation where measures to mitigate climate change are actually contributing to it. Bio-based materials are a promising alternative as they can be used to not only reduce the energy consumption of a building but also temporarily store carbon. To evaluate the potential benefits of such materials, life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) are commonly used. Such assessment allows the analysis of a building over its whole life. However, considering that buildings are very long lasting systems, many associated uncertainties can affect the outcome of LCA and LCCA. To account for all the uncertainty sources and provide a robust solution for building renovation, uncertainty quantification can be applied. In this paper, we use robust optimization under uncertainties to define the most cost-effective and climate-friendly solution. We apply bio-based materials and include carbon storage calculation in the integrated LCA and LCCA. For the robust optimization, we use a novel methodology combining a well-known non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II) with surrogate modeling to lower computational cost. The methodology is applied for a case study located in Switzerland. The results show that bio-based materials provide a robust solution for building renovation but to achieve the highest reduction potential, bio-based envelope insulation should be combined with the replacement of the existing fossil heating system.
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| 4. |
- Hollberg, Alexander, 1985, et al.
(författare)
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A Framework for User Centric LCA Tool Development for Early Planning Stages of Buildings
- 2022
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Ingår i: Frontiers in Built Environment. - : Frontiers Media SA. - 2297-3362. ; 8
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- As the high greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions caused by the construction and real estate sector receive more attention, more and more countries include an environmental assessment of buildings based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in their building regulations. Sweden introduced mandatory climate declarations in January 2022, for example. To support stakeholders in conducting the climate declarations and using the results to reduce GHG emissions, user-friendly tools for early planning stages are needed. The aim of this study is to develop and test a framework for user centric development of such tools. The framework builds on three steps; 1) interviewing stakeholders to define tool requirements, 2) developing a prototype tool according to the requirements, and 3) evaluating it based on user feedback. We developed and tested the framework in the Swedish context to provide a blueprint applicable to other countries and contexts. The primary target users are architects with computational design experience but also engineers and real estate developers working in early phases. The results show that the users' expectations can be met when the requirements are integrated from the very beginning. In the current version, the developed building LCA tool only targets the embodied GHG emissions from the production and construction phase of the building, but it could be extended to include further life cycle phases in the future.
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| 5. |
- Llatas, C., et al.
(författare)
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BIM-based LCSA application in early design stages using IFC
- 2022
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Ingår i: Automation in Construction. - : Elsevier BV. - 0926-5805. ; 138
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) is an integrated method that combines environmental, economic, and social assessments. Its methodological development remains under discussion, mainly regarding the building design. This paper aims to provide a systematic, interoperable, and open-source approach towards implementing LCSA in Building Information Modelling (BIM) in five steps. A harmonized data structure that enriches BIM objects is proposed. Automation in the principal evaluation step is provided by integrating new parameters into the current Industry Foundation Classes (IFC4). A Dynamo script verifies its utility in a case study in Spain using real-time calculations and visualizations. Two alternative structural systems are assessed, and identification is made of the lowest CO2 emitter, the lowest cost, and the most beneficial system for local employment. The approach can be employed to evaluate other indicators and building systems in other countries. Challenges and limitations in the standardization and harmonization of the three dimensions are identified.
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| 6. |
- Schumacher, Rebecca, et al.
(författare)
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Analysis of current practice and future potentials of LCA in a BIM-based design process in Germany
- 2022
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Ingår i: E3S Web of Conferences. - : EDP Sciences. - 2555-0403 .- 2267-1242. ; 349
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- The construction and building sector, responsible for 39% of global greenhouse gas emissions, is undergoing a fundamental digital transformation enabled by Building Information Modelling (BIM). Integrating life cycle assessment (LCA) in digital building design processes enables early evaluation of embodied impacts. This connection offers opportunities to generate predictive parameters to efficiently use environmental optimization potentials. The aim of this study was to investigate current barriers and incentives for practitioners to use LCA in combination with BIM in practice in Germany. Based on criteria identified in a systematic literature review, a survey amongst 161 practitioners is conducted, analysing five different user profiles. The evaluated criteria are added value, perception of relevance, intention, age, data availability, standardization, external demand and usability. The results present a recognised added value of integrating LCA in BIM from the perspective of all user profiles. Currently, measures in a political and social context have higher potentials, i. e. are more urgent to implement, than measures in the information technology context, whereas priorities vary depending on user profiles. The greatest drivers are external demand and pressure in forms of stricter political requirements and more demand from the public-sector. The presented insights, trends and need for action can support implementing procedures for achieving the urgent climate goals of the construction sector strategically through digital transformation.
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| 7. |
- Somanath, Sanjay, 1994, et al.
(författare)
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Effects of Sustainability Policy – Evaluating Social Consequences of Carbon Targets using Trip Completion Rates
- 2022
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Ingår i: IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science. - : IOP Publishing. - 1755-1307 .- 1755-1315. ; 1078:1
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Sustainability is widely recognised as having social, economic, and environmental dimensions. Strategies to combat global climate change inherently have an environmental focus. However, in line with the sustainability agenda, the social and economic dimensions must also be addressed. Evaluating the social consequences of decisions is often challenging due to a lack of relevant tools and indicators to measure and track them. This paper presents the Trip Completion Rate (TCR) as an indicator currently under development to evaluate the social consequences of climate change policies such as Personal Carbon Allowances (PCA). TCR is an accessibility indicator that evaluates the proportion of a population that can perform their daily activities against a performance metric. Two examples demonstrate the sensitivity of social impacts based on the geographic and demographic variations in different locations, one at the region level and another at the municipal level, through a national household travel survey (NHTS). The Västra Götaland region of Sweden is taken as a test case to illustrate how the indicator may be used, comparing TCR on the entire region and then comparing it to TCRs calculated at the municipal level. The greenhouse gas emissions of the trips are calculated based on assumptions for different modes of transport. Finally, the results are evaluated against a hypothetical PCA based on the climate goals for the city of Gothenburg, Sweden. The results show that the ability to satisfy one's daily travel needs depends on individual characteristics such as behavioural patterns of travel, travel mode choices and access to local amenities. We find that PCAs may disproportionately affect certain groups more than others. Policymakers must understand who is most affected by sustainability targets to ensure that disproportionately affected groups have an equal opportunity to achieve their daily needs and that adequate measures are taken to mitigate the local policy effects on social equity.
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| 8. |
- Säwén, Toivo, 1993, et al.
(författare)
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A Characterisation Framework for Parametric Building Performance Simulation Tools
- 2022
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Ingår i: E3S Web of Conferences. - : EDP Sciences. - 2555-0403 .- 2267-1242. ; 362
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Implementing Building Performance Simulation (BPS) in a parametric design framework is a prevalent way of facilitating environmental assessments in early design stages. However, no up-to-date overviews of potential approaches are available, and no characterisation frameworks adapted for parametric BPS tools are present. In this study, such a framework was developed and its use demonstrated through an investigation of eleven available BPS tools for the parametric design framework Grasshopper®. It was found that the framework was able to successfully differentiate tools based on the level of BPS expertise integrated in the tools, and the allocation of responsibility for data entry and interpretation. A contrast was found between streamlined tools, and tools which provide more versatility. The characterisation framework, and the resulting overview of approaches, can be used to guide the future development of parametric environmental analysis frameworks for buildings.
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| 9. |
- Säwén, Toivo, 1993, et al.
(författare)
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Tool characterisation framework for parametric building LCA
- 2022
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Ingår i: IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science. - : IOP Publishing. - 1755-1307 .- 1755-1315. ; 1078:1
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Connecting Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to parametric design has been suggested as a way of facilitating performing environmental assessments in early design stages. However, no overviews of potential approaches and tools are available within recent research. Also, no characterisation frameworks adapted for parametric LCA tools are present. In order to guide the development of workflows for environmental analysis aimed at the early design stage of buildings, the goal of this paper is to provide such a framework, and to demonstrate its use by characterising a number of available LCA plug-ins for the commonly used parametric design framework Grasshopper® (GH). First, a framework for classification and characterisation of tools based on workflow, adaptability, and required user knowledge was developed. Second, a tool inventory was performed, identifying 13 parametric LCA plug-ins for GH. Finally, four of these plug-ins were further investigated using the developed evaluation framework, a user persona approach, and a simplified test case. It was found that the characterisation framework was able to differentiate tools based on the level of LCA expertise integrated in the tools, and the allocation of responsibility for data entry and interpretation. A contrast was found between streamlined tools, and tools which provide more versatility. The characterisation framework, and the resulting overview of approaches can be used to guide the future development of parametric environmental analysis frameworks.
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| 10. |
- Thuvander, Liane, 1970, et al.
(författare)
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Procedural digital twin generation for co-creating in VR focusing on vegetation
- 2022
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Ingår i: International Archives of the Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences - ISPRS Archives. - 1682-1750. ; XLVIII-4/W5-2022, s. 189-196
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- An early-stage development of a Digital Twin (DT) in Virtual Reality (VR) is presented, aiming for civic engagement in a new urban development located in an area that is a forest today. The area is presently used for recreation. For the developer, it is important both to communicate how the new development will affect the forest and allow for feedback from the citizen. High quality DT models are time-consuming to generate, especially for VR. Current model generation methods require the model developer to manually design the virtual environment. Furthermore, they are not scalable when multiple scenarios are required as a project progresses. This study aimed to create an automated, procedural workflow to generate DT models and visualize large-scale data in VR with a focus on existing green structures as a basis for participatory approaches. Two versions of the VR prototype were developed in close cooperation with the urban developer and evaluated in two user tests. A procedural workflow was developed for generating DT models and integrated into the VR application. For the green structures, efforts focused on the vegetation, such as realistic representation and placement of different types of trees and bushes. Only navigation functions were enabled in the first user test with practitioners (9 participants). Interactive functions were enabled in the second user test with pupils (age 15, 9 participants). In both tests, the researchers observed the participants and carried out short reflective interviews. The user test evaluation focussed on the perception of the vegetation, general perception of the VR environment, interaction, and navigation. The results show that the workflow is effective, and the users appreciate green structure representations in VR environments in both user tests. Based on the workflow, similar scenes can be created for any location in Sweden. Future development needs to concentrate on the refinement of buildings and information content. A challenge will be balancing the level of detail for communication with residents.
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