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Methodological aspects and design implications to achieve life cycle low emission buildings. A case study: LCA of a new university building

Abstract:

All new residential, office and service buildings built in the EU from 2020 will be nearly zero-energy buildings, defined as buildings that on an annual basis generate approximately the same amount of energy as they require. This will promote on-site generation from renewable sources and the incorporation of energy efficient equipment in buildings, but it is not enough. The life cycle assessment of buildings considers the impact in all stages of their life cycle. The aim of the paper is to present the life cycle assessment as an adequate methodology for designing new Life Cycle Low Emission Buildings. The methodology is applied to a new University building in Spain which aims to be a singular and exemplary model of sustainability. Several sensitivity analyses based on different scenarios are proposed in order to identify the most significant variables and parameters. In conclusion, some recommendations for reducing the emissions during the whole life cycle of the building are assessed. The results demonstrate the high impact of the urban mobility of the occupants and other indirect impacts, if they are included within the system boundaries of the assessment. The paper has been developed within the framework of the EnerBuiLCA project co-financed by the ERDF - SUDOE Interreg IV B and the ECOURBAN project, financed by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation.