Ecological assessment of building designs existing methodologies and tools

Title: Ecological assessment of building designs existing methodologies and tools
Author(s): A. J. Abu Sa'deh, P.G. Luscuere
Paper category : conference
Book title: International Symposium on Intergrated Life-Cycle Design of Materials and Structures
Editor(s): A. Sarja
Print-ISBN: 951-758-408-3
e-ISBN: 235158029X
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2000
Pages: 355 - 359
Total Pages: 5
Nb references: 9
Language: English

Abstract: Since the early 1990s, significant efforts have been made to develop tools that enable users (architects, developers, designers, etc.) to evaluate ecological aspects of sustainable buildings during different design stages. These tools also serve as incentives to encourage the market to value more
ecologically responsible practices and higher performance standards. This evaluation that enables the user to judge both quantitative and qualitative local and global ecological aspects during the life cycle of buildings, is a contribution to improvement of building design. In this article the characteristics of existing tools and methods for life cycle sustainability and ecological assessment of buildings are discussed. A review of current efforts in developing such tools reveals limited attention of each tool in relation to relevant aspects, life cycle phase etc. Therefore, attention should be directed toward developing integrated tools with a broader view of sustainability of the buildings. It implies a move from ecological assessment due to the impact of materials and components to integrated life cycle sustainable building ecological assessment. The approach to integrate the available tools, which achieves an integrated life cycle sustainable building ecological assessment, is discussed here.

Online publication: 2000-04-30
Classification: LIFE-CYCLE ASSESMENT
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00
doi: 10.1617/235158029X.065