Research needs addressed by the Finnish industry members of the NORNET LCA Network NORNET LCA 1 st workshop Copenhagen May 26 th Tarja Häkkinen VTT
Interviewees Petteri Lautso - Ruukki Construction Kaisa Kekki - Skanska Ilari Aho - Uponor Pasi Typpö - ECIA Janne Hannula and Tuomas Helin - Lassila & Tikanoja Kimmo Lylykangas - Kimmo Lylykangas Architects Heli Kotilainen and Jessica Karhu - GBC FI Laura Sariola - Building information foundation RTS
Interview questions 1) What new knowledge and understanding is needed about the environmental impacts and significance of different process phases / choices / operations in building sector? 2) What new understanding is needed about the effect of methodological choices in LCA? How much do the methodological unclarity and shortcomings complicate the use of LCA in decision making? 3) How much BIM can help the use of LCA in decision making? What is biggest hinder for doing LCA assessment during design with the help of BIM? 4) What kind of / how much Nordic collaboration is needed in the field of LCA in building sector?
1 Need of understanding about the impact and significance of different process phases / choices / operations The overall meaning of: Transportation phases Construction site phase Construction of needed infra structure The effect and significance of: Type of heating system Local / on-site energy generation Length of service life, renovation, flexibility, mixed use The significance of phases C and D on the overall environmental impact The rationality of the 70% rule
2 Needed understanding about the effect of methodological choices in LCA How to deal with the time aspect in LCA (equivalent / different value of issues that take place at different time point) What is a correct approach when alternative different service life strategies are compared from the viewpoint of environmental and economical benefits (long/short service life, maintainability, flexibility) Clarification of how to deal with capacity / performance when comparing alternative solutions How to understand the significance of identified differences between alternatives When generic / specific data should be used The choose of correct emission factor for electricity Assessment of consequences
3 How much BIM can help the use of LCA in decision making VTT interviewed in another research project designers about the lacks and potentials of BIM in the management of sustainable building performance in design process. One of the issues addressed by several interviewees was the availability of product data and possibility to use product in design and simulation (service life, maintenance, environmental assessment). This conclusion was much addressed also in this interview. The key issue is to develop the linkage to product data, its availability and use in design. However, it was also commented that there is lack of clients valuation for this kind of work. Although the integration of product data would especially improve the quality of design for maintainability, there is know point to load the process with this kind of information if not asked by the client.
4 Need of Nordic collaboration in the field of LCA in building sector Nordic collaboration is valued Important to combine resources and capabilities to maintain and reinforce the Nordic status as skilful actor in sustainable building (industry)and environmental assessment (design and research) It would be important and useful To develop a common generic data base for energy carriers and transportation at Nordic level To develop common emission factors for energy To develop common generic data in general To give information about existing databases relevant for environmental calculations in the Nordic countries Open discussion about steering instruments is also seen important - similar steering methods would be welcome Availability of environmental data required for building permit Environmental data should be part of CE