Implementing Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment during design stages in Building Information Modelling: From systematic literature review to a methodological approach

Abstract

The construction sector is a major producer of greenhouse gas and waste. Several studies reveal the close relationship between the design phase and the reduction of environmental impacts caused during the life cycle of buildings, along with better economic and social performance. In order to achieve increasingly eco-efficient buildings, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is an objective method to assess and reduce the impact buildings exert on the environment. Nevertheless, current environmental challenges require comprehensive solutions for the integration of the three pillars of sustainability, for which Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) is recognised as an appropriate holistic concept. The present paper conducts a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) which aims to detect opportunities to integrate the LCSA into the building design process and in Building Information Modelling (BIM). The results show that the harmonisation of the three dimensions and the data requirements are main achievements. Based on results obtained, a methodological approach to help on the LCSA implementation in BIM is presented. This proposed LCSA-BIM approach is applied to the Spanish architect's workflow and design stages, to exemplify its purpose.