News Brief

More Comprehensive LCA Models for Buildings, Pavement

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has released two preliminary reports, “Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Highway Pavements” and “Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Buildings.” Setting a new life-cycle assessment standard for buildings and pavements, the reports establish extended lifetimes for both: 50 years for pavements and 75 years for buildings. MIT has found that most of the carbon emissions from buildings and pavements are released during the use phase, so this phase is a focus of the research. The reports outline the LCA approach, results thus far, and a work plan for the remaining timeframe. Some results so far include a comparison of energy use associated with insulated concrete form construction versus wood-frame, and the effect of concrete pavement versus asphalt pavement on vehicle fuel efficiency and life-cycle carbon emissions. Targeted for scientists, industry leaders, and policymakers, the reports aim to help save taxpayers money on infrastructure updates nationwide. Final versions, along with corresponding cost analysis, will be released in August 2011. For more information, visit web.mit.edu/cshub/.

 

Published January 27, 2011

Emily, C. (2011, January 27). More Comprehensive LCA Models for Buildings, Pavement. Retrieved from https://www.buildinggreen.com/newsbrief/more-comprehensive-lca-models-buildings-pavement

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