Circular strategies are gaining momentum as a means to decarbonize buildings, challenging the traditional linear approach to building design and construction. Assessing the environmental impacts of buildings incorporating these strategies necessitates adjustments to standard Whole Building Life Cycle Assessment (WBLCA) approaches.
This report provides an overview of circular strategies and WBLCA practices, and then focuses on how circular design and construction strategies can impact the practice of WBLCA. It analyzes various circularity strategies, highlights associated challenges with current standards, and suggests adjustments to standard approaches. It explores ways to better account for a building’s circularity and propose a practical approach to assess the environmental impacts of circular strategies.
The report serves as a guide for WBLCA practitioners, aiding both straightforward impact accounting, as well as scenario design during the decision-making process at the design stage. This collaborative research is a first step in bridging circular strategies and WBLCA practically for the construction sector for a more coherent and aligned practice. Establishing a coherent industry-wide approach to assessing environmental impacts of building design decisions is key to set achievable and meaningful targets to a more sustainable future.
