LCA, or Life Cycle Assessment, is a powerful tool used to calculate or estimate the environmental impact of a product, from the extraction of its raw materials to the end of its life. Like any modern tool, it has its tricks and failings; this and the technical bent of the content of the assessment have seen it used only by the most dedicated sustainability proponents in the construction sector.
This paper makes the case for extensive use of LCA, indeed, it advocates integrating LCA into standard planning practices in the construction of commercial buildings, much as NPV (Net Present Value) is a common tool for the evaluation of business projects. To do this, a robust understanding of its merits and weaknesses is required, which can be best demonstrated through a case study.
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