Life-Cycle Assessment
Life-cycle assessment, or LCA, is the science of quantifying environmental impacts through the entire process of creating, transporting, using, and disposing of a product or material. The methods are well developed, but there are blind spots.
The creator of life-cycle assessment famously stated, “All models are wrong, but some are useful.” That’s important to keep in mind as you attempt to compare the impacts of two different building designs or two different products.
These resources about LCA help explain:
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what types of data are usually reliable in an LCA
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how to get the info you need from an environmental product declaration
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where LCA can go wrong
- the politics of LCA and how it relates to product and building certifications
Life-Cycle Assessment
Deep Dives
Get up to speed on complex topics. You can also earn CEUs and download PDF Spotlight Reports.
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Quick Takes
Jump straight to the essentials with these short explanations of green building concepts.
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In The News
We break news down to the essentials and provide expert analysis.
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White Roofs in Cold Climates a Mistake, Says LCA Study
News Brief
While roofs with solar panels are a plus, researchers suggest white roofs in Canada do more harm than good because of steep heating penalties.
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Carbon and Financial Payback Mismatched in Retrofits
News Brief
Lighting, windows, or the chiller? Choosing a retrofit package is all the more tricky when dollar and carbon ROI are at odds.
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Architects Push for Clearer EPDs with 2030 Challenge
News Analysis
Input from practitioners is needed, says Architecture 2030, to develop a more readable format for life-cycle data and environmental product declarations.
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Life-Cycle Assessment for Dummies? New LCA Guides Available
News Brief
Two new resources explain the strengths and limitations of life-cycle assessments for practitioners and the general pubic.
Perspective
Thought-provoking opinions from the most trusted minds in sustainability.
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Learning Resources
A wide range of education options, with automatic reporting for AIA and GBCI.
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