Critical review of bim-based LCA method to buildings
Introduction
The building sector is recognized as the most important natural resources consumer. Globally, it consumes 32% of resources including 12% water and 40% energy [1]. Moreover the building sector is the main waste producer −generating one third of European waste [2] and it is responsible for 22% of European hazardous waste production [3].
Sustainable development is widely recognized as one of the most important strategies in reducing the environmental impact of the building sector [4], [5], [6], [7]. There are several tools and methods to help the implementation of sustainable development into the built environment [8], [9], [10], [11]. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is considered as a complete method to assess the sustainability of a building over its life cycle; and has growing importance in the scientific community [12]. Several studies underline the importance of improving and simplifying LCA application to buildings [13], [14], [15], [16]. Thus, it is recognized that the integration of BIM (Building Information Modeling) − LCA can reduce and optimize LCA application [13].
BIM software can hold graphic information as well as material properties about building elements that the building comprises [17]. It is also identified as a helpful tool that can considerably reduce the time and effort required to manage graphics and data about the building [18], [19]. Young et al. [20] recognize its potential towards sustainable design. Kwok et al. [21] developed a review of existing papers which focused on BIM to monitor environmental sustainability and manage buildings throughout their complete life cycle.
The development of methods that integrate BIM and LCA is growing. Alvarez and Díaz [22] underline the importance of including LCA in BIM environment, especially in early stages of design. Kreiner et al. [23] developed a systemic approach based on the LCA method. It concludes that improvements of sustainability performance of buildings can be carried out by integrating BIM with the developed approach. However, the development of the ‘cradle-to-grave’ comprehensive BIM-based environmental sustainability simulation tool is still scarce [21].
An example of BIM-LCA integration is Tally [24], a plug-in for Autodesk Revit that quantifies environmental impacts of building materials based on the LCA method, as well as allowing a comparative analysis of design options. At the moment the application is geographically adapted to the US region [24].
The lack of reviews that analyzes the integration of BIM and LCA is identified as a gap in the literature. For this reason, this paper aims to review recent case studies that integrate BIM and LCA. The paper discusses methodological aspects of the use of BIM for Life Cycle Assessment of buildings, focuses on how BIM can simplify and reduce data acquisition during LCA application; and looks at how LCA can enhance BIM performance for building design. Finally, methodological aspects and recommendations are developed.
Section snippets
BIM tools for sustainable design
Currently, the use of BIM in AEC (Architecture Engineering Construction) is growing globally. According to Directive European 2014/24/EU [25] the use of BIM for public building will be compulsory in the EU from October 2018. Countries such as the UK have already adopted BIM for public procurements from 2016 [26].
Materials and methods
In response to the observed gaps in the literature, the methodological aspects and challenges are analyzed, and also the contribution of BIM to improve input and output data during the LCA application, towards reducing building environmental impacts and energy consumption is discussed.
For the analysis of the case studies, an information flow structure based on the essential steps of LCA Design defined by Seo et al. [61]: input, analysis and solution, is proposed. The input step creates the
Data input
It is assumed that data input is the most time consuming phase during the LCA application to buildings. Ajayi et al. [33] recognized the complexity and time-consuming nature of compiling input data during the LCI, and they also pointed out that it limits LCA application in the building sector. Thus, Loh et al. [63] pointed out the need to improve the inefficiency of data input into LCA software and the problem of data interoperability. On the other hand, it is recognized that the use of BIM for
BIM model LOD and LCA input data
According to reviewed papers, the level of development (LOD) and the modeling of objects can be considered a key point during the application of LCA. This paper confirmed that the LOD of the model and the BIM software capability to model and automatically quantify several building components, materials and objects, can limit or condition the input data. Houlihan et al. [67], for instance, had to calculate inner and outer wood wall components manually.
With regard to the model and graphic
Conclusions
This review provides evidence of the growing interest in the integration of BIM with environmental impact calculation methods. However, literature about the subject is still scarce. The paper shows that the integration of BIM-LCA has mainly been developed in new buildings or projects, confirmed in 90% of case studies; its utility from early stages of design has been mostly recognized. However, its use in existing buildings was also verified. Furthermore, this paper confirms that almost half of
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