LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT OF CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS USING EIO-LCA

Murari Varma, K.V. Manjeeth, P. Shiva Kumar

Abstract: Sustainability has been a major parameter in evaluation of construction industry. Sustainable construction can be defined simply as the application of methods which fulfill the needs of the present generation without compromising the needs of the future generation [1]. One of such methods used is LCA. Life Cycle Assessment of a construction material is done to get a broader picture of the environmental impact of the particular material in terms of carbon footprint. LCA Methods helps in pointing out the specific process of the material procurement or usage during which cynically affects the environment. The analysis of the results may help in informing the consumer or producer to reduce the life cycle greenhouse gas emissions. In this paper, EIO-LCA software is discussed and alternative construction materials are analyzed against conventional materials thereby, suggesting the better one between them. Necessary incentives to enhance the use of LCA were also discussed

Keywords: Sustainability, Life Cycle Assessment, carbon footprint, EIO-LCA

DOI: https://doi.org/10.15623/ijret.2015.0403059