Free Autumn 2025 Bootcamps - Discussion Q&A Megathread

One Click LCA Academy Live - LCA & EPD Bootcamps
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1. Bootcamp Logistics, Access, Recordings & Exam

(Questions 1–18)

1. Will the session recordings be available afterward? Yes. All recordings will be available on academy.oneclicklca.com under the Construction LCA Bootcamp course area. You can revisit them anytime during your enrolment period.

2. How long will we have access to the bootcamp materials? You will retain access to the course content and recordings in the Academy indefinitely (or as long as your account is active). However, the One Click LCA license and the exam window are only available for 4 weeks from the time they are issued.

3. How do I get the session slides? Slides are uploaded to the Academy course space alongside the recordings. They are usually downloadable, although availability may vary by session.

4. Will I still be able to take the exam even if I miss a session? Yes. The exam opens on Thursday and remains open for four weeks, so you can take it at any time—even if you miss the live session.

5. How do I enroll in the bootcamp if I missed earlier sessions? You can send your email to the moderator or One Click LCA support team, and they can manually enroll you. This was exceptionally allowed during the week of the bootcamp.

6. How do I get access to the One Click LCA software? You will receive a license key during the live tool demo (Session 3). The bootcamp license is cloud-based—no installation required.

7. My license key is not working — what should I do? If your bootcamp license hasn’t been issued yet, wait until Wednesday. Otherwise, contact support@oneclicklca.com with your details.

8. Do I need to prepare or install anything before the modeling session? No preparation is required. One Click LCA runs fully in the browser. The live session will guide you through login, setup, and project creation.

9. Will you show how to interpret results, charts, and reports? Yes. Later sessions include demos on interpreting results, charts, benchmarking, and reporting.

10. Do I need architectural and structural drawings for LCA? For a complete and accurate building LCA, yes—you will eventually need both. However, you can start with partial information and use templates, assemblies, or archetypes to fill in gaps.

11. Where can I find more information about using One Click LCA? Recommended resources include:

12. Will you show how to import from Revit, DesignBuilder, PHPP, etc.? Yes. Integration workflows such as the Revit plugin, BIM imports, CSV mapping, and PHPP compatibility are demonstrated in the software-focused sessions.

13. Will we need to install software locally for future sessions? No. One Click LCA is cloud-based, so you only need an internet connection.

14. How much support will we have when using the software? You will have support during live sessions, plus access to documentation, tutorials, and the One Click LCA support team if needed.

15. I missed the “EPD Bootcamp” — can I still sign up? Yes, many users requested this. You can email the support team or the moderator directly to be manually enrolled in the on-demand content for the EPD Bootcamp.

16. Will I get a certificate for completing the bootcamp? Yes, upon passing the exam (which opens on Thursday), you will receive a certificate.

17. Is the US Bootcamp coursework different from this one? The core principles of LCA are the same, but the US Bootcamp focuses more on TRACI impact methodology (North American standard) and LEED certification workflows, whereas this session focused heavily on EN standards (European) and global data.

18. Will missing the “EPD Bootcamp” significantly impact my learning here? No. The EPD Bootcamp focused on creating EPDs (for manufacturers). This bootcamp focuses on using EPDs (for buildings). As long as you understand that an EPD is a “nutrition label” for materials, you will be fine.

2. Climate Context, Net Zero Pathways & Policy Landscape

(Questions 19–27)

19. Based on current data, is the 2°C target actually achievable? The data is grim, and the outlook is challenging. However, rapid progress is being made—for example, China exceeding renewable energy goals and tightening EU regulations (EPBD, CBAM). Success requires consistent effort from nations and individuals.

20. Will resource scarcity (like sand and cement) stop construction by 2060? Likely not globally. Limestone and iron ore are abundant. “Peak sand” issues are regarding quality and location (extraction rates), not global geological scarcity.

21. Why is Embodied Carbon becoming a bigger issue now? Two reasons:

  1. We have made progress on Operational Carbon (energy efficiency/renewables), so Embodied Carbon is a larger percentage of the remaining pie.

  2. We have a huge “reserve” of material emissions that haven’t been regulated yet.

22. Is the UK closer to mandating LCA in Building Regulations (Part Z)? “Part Z” is not yet adopted into UK Building Regulations, but there is clear movement in that direction, including support in planning policy.

23. How does the EPBD affect the concrete industry? The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) mandates Whole Life Carbon assessment for new buildings. This increases demand for low-carbon concrete. Manufacturers are also pressured by the CPR (Construction Products Regulation) and CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism).

24. Are we actually seeing carbon taxes implemented? Yes, in various forms. The EU has ETS and CBAM. Some countries (like South Africa) have carbon taxes for major producers, and Canada has net-zero targets for 2030.

25. Will UK construction efforts make a difference given the scale of construction in China/Africa? Yes. While the scale elsewhere is massive, developed nations develop the technologies, standards, and “green” precedents that other regions can adopt to leapfrog dirty development phases.

26. Do you have evidence that the energy landscape is actually moving toward renewables? Yes. IEA annual reports provide good insights. Renewables are moving fast in Asia, Europe, and Africa, though fossil fuels remain the norm in many places.

27. What is the reference year for the “40% less embodied carbon by 2030” target? This generally refers to a 1990 baseline in EU policy (like the “Fit for 55” package), but specific corporate or city targets may use different baselines (e.g., 2010 or 2019) depending on when they started reporting.

3. LCA Fundamentals, Life Cycle Stages & Standards

(Questions 28–35)

28. What is the difference between Life Cycle “Assessment” and “Analysis”? “Assessment” is the official term (the ‘A’ in LCA). “Analysis” is often used interchangeably, though it can imply a statistical review of results. In this context, they mean the same thing.

29. What is the difference between EN 15978 and EN 15804?

  • EN 15804 is the standard for products (how to make an EPD).

  • EN 15978 is the standard for buildings (how to do a whole-building LCA). They are intertwined; you use EN 15804 data to perform an EN 15978 assessment.

30. What is the definition of Embodied vs. Operational Carbon?

  • Embodied: Emissions from materials (manufacturing, transport, waste, replacement, end-of-life).

  • Operational: Emissions from energy (B6) and water (B7) use during the building’s life.

31. Why is Scope 3 still such a challenge? It suffers from data collection difficulties and a lack of proper data management systems. However, practices are developing quickly.

32. What is “Whole Building LCA”? It is an assessment that covers all life cycle stages (A-C, and often D) for the entire structure, rather than just a single product.

33. Do we discuss the requirements of EN 15978 in this course? Yes, the course covers the building-level LCA rules set by EN 15978.

34. Does the software align with the “CPR” (Construction Products Regulation)? Yes. The CPR sets the rules for marketing construction products in the EU, and the EPBD (Energy Performance of Buildings Directive) mandates the assessment. The software uses data (EPDs) that are compliant with the CPR standards (EN 15804).

35. For a manufacturer (Product LCA), can I ignore modules A4 and A5? Yes. For a Product EPD (Cradle-to-Gate), you typically focus on A1–A3 (Manufacturing). Modules A4 (Transport) and A5 (Installation) are usually scenario-based and part of a Building LCA, not the product declaration itself.

4. Datasets, Impact Methods & Data Quality

(Questions 36–41)

36. What is CML? CML is a characterization method used to turn Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) data into impact results (like Global Warming Potential). It will be discussed in detail in Session 2.

37. What is “Green Water”? Green water is atmospheric moisture absorbed by plants. Blue water is liquid freshwater (surface/groundwater).

38. What is the relationship between SimaPro and One Click LCA? One Click LCA acquired SimaPro recently. They remain separate software tools:

  • One Click LCA is specialized for construction/buildings.

  • SimaPro is a general-purpose LCA tool for any product (non-construction). You can find non-construction data in SimaPro.

39. If I use data from outside One Click LCA (e.g., Ecoinvent), which one should I trust? One Click LCA includes validated construction databases. If using external data, ensure it aligns with the correct standards (EN 15804) for your project.

40. How is sulfur from cement accounted for? Sulfur isn’t “ignored”—it is accounted for in the Acidification impact category, not Global Warming Potential (CO2e). To see this, you need to look at a full LCA, not just a carbon footprint.

41. How do we handle “Trade-offs” — e.g., a low-carbon material that has high acidification? This is why a full LCA (not just a carbon footprint) is important. You should check the “Results” tab in One Click LCA to see other impact categories (like Acidification or Eutrophication) to ensure you aren’t solving one problem by creating another.

5. Construction LCA Scenarios, Materials & Life Cycle Modules

(Questions 42–54)

42. How do we account for reusing materials from a disaster-struck building?

  • Existing Building: The material is calculated in the End-of-Life stage (C3/C4).

  • New Building: If you use that reclaimed material, its A1-A3 (manufacturing) impact is zero, leading to massive savings.

43. Does the “Tropical” vs. “Temperate” zone affect the carbon profile? Yes. Colder zones need more insulation (A1-A3 impacts). Tropical zones may require more frequent maintenance/replacements (B4/B5 impacts) due to heat and moisture.

44. Are vehicles (cranes, etc.) included in the LCA?

  • On-site machinery (cranes, excavators) is part of Module A5 (Construction Installation).

  • Transport of materials to the site is Module A4.

45. Why are B1–B3 sometimes zero in models?

  • B1 (Use): Materials rarely emit carbon just by “being there” (except some refrigerants).

  • B2 (Maintenance) & B3 (Repair): Often omitted due to lack of data or small significance compared to replacement (B4).

46. The slides showed B1-B7 as the major contributor. Is that correct? It depends on the scope. In a Whole Life assessment with fossil-fuel energy, Operational Energy (B6) is often the largest. If the grid is clean, Embodied (A1-A3) becomes the dominant factor.

47. What about Geopolymer Concrete? It is vital for reducing cement footprints. While it requires chemicals (activators), responsible manufacturers recycle these, making it a cost-effective low-carbon option.

48. Can we add “Carbon Sink” (negative carbon) materials? Yes. You can use materials that store biogenic carbon (like timber) or carbon-curing technologies. These can be modeled if valid EPD data is available.

49. Can One Click LCA be used for Facade Engineering specifically? Yes. While it is a whole-building tool, you can model specific elements like facades in detail. You can create a project that only contains the facade scope to analyze cladding, glazing, and framing options.

50. How do we account for MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) embodied carbon? You can model MEP using the existing database (which includes cables, pipes, ducts, and equipment) or by using CIBSE TM65 calculation methods which are supported in the software.

51. If I join a project late, where should I look to reduce carbon? If the structure is already fixed, focus on finishes, fit-outs, and services (MEP). These have shorter lifespans and are replaced often, so choosing low-carbon carpets, partitions, or furniture can still yield significant savings over the building’s life.

52. Can we use this for “Modular” construction analysis? Yes. Modular construction often shows benefits in A5 (Construction) due to less waste and faster installation. You can compare a “Modular” scenario vs. a “Traditional” scenario to quantify these savings.

53. How do I bridge the gap between “Carbon” and “Structural” properties (e.g., soil types)? LCA tools don’t calculate structural integrity. You must work with the structural engineer. They provide the options (e.g., “We need Concrete Mix A for this soil, or Mix B if we pile deeper”), and you calculate the carbon for those specific options to help them make an informed decision.

54. Is the sulfur from CSA cement considered? Yes, but in the Acidification category, not necessarily in the Carbon Footprint (GWP) category.

6. Software, Tools & Integrations

(Questions 55–65)

55. Is One Click LCA using AI? Yes. AI features are being added continuously, including:

  • AI for material importing.
  • AI plausibility checkers (to catch errors).
  • AI support agents.

56. Can we import data from Revit? Yes, there is a Revit plugin. We will show how to map Revit families to LCA materials in the software session.

57. Is Carbon Designer 3D included? Yes, Carbon Designer 3D (CD3D) is part of the tool suite and allows for early-stage “shoebox” modeling.

58. Does the tool support PHPP (Passivhaus)? Yes, there are workflows to exchange material quantities and performance data with PHPP.

59. Can I generate a Bill of Materials (BOM)? Yes, the software can generate a BOM based on your inputs.

60. Do you have templates for Infrastructure or Rail? Yes. There are dedicated infrastructure tools within One Click LCA for rail, roads, and civil engineering projects.

61. Can I do “GLA Circular Economy” reporting? Yes. There is a specific Circularity tool that supports Greater London Authority (GLA) reporting requirements.

62. Can I use DesignBuilder? Yes, an example using DesignBuilder will be shown.

63. What about Allplan or Dlubal? Integrations for these tools are available and supported.

64. What “LOD” (Level of Development) is required for the BIM model? You don’t need a high LOD (like LOD 300/400) to start. You can start with a simple massing model or “shoebox” model (LOD 100/200) for early analysis. The software can map simple geometry to complex carbon profiles using “Carbon Designer 3D.”

65. How do I benchmark my building? What sources are used? One Click LCA has a feature called Carbon Heroes, which allows you to compare your building against thousands of anonymized projects in the database. You can filter by building type (e.g., Office, Residential) and region.

7. EPDs, Databases, Regional Coverage & Material Data

(Questions 66–70)

66. Does One Click LCA include data for South East Asia / UK / Global? Yes. The database includes over 250,000+ datasets (globally), including regional data for SE Asia, UK, and others.

67. What if a specific EPD is missing from the database? If the data is valid and third-party verified, it can be added. You can also use “generic” or “proxy” data from the database if a specific manufacturer EPD is missing.

68. Does the database include cost KPIs? Some tools include cost data (LCC), but prices fluctuate rapidly. It is primarily a carbon/environmental database.

69. How many EPDs are in the system? One Click LCA has over 500,000 data points, including EPDs from major platforms like EPD International, IBU, and Ökobaudat.

70. Can I use “Input/Output” data from other EPDs? Construction EPDs usually only provide LCIA results (impacts), not the raw input/output (inventory) data. One Click LCA uses the results to calculate the building impact.

8. ESG, Certifications & Green Building Schemes

(Questions 71–76)

71. How do EPDs and LCA impact ESG reporting? Carbon impacts feed into Scope 3 reporting (Purchased Goods & Services / Capital Goods). Verified EPDs provide the defensible data needed for ESG frameworks, replacing generic assumptions.

72. What is the “+1” in “LCA: 5 + 1 credits”? In certification schemes (like BREEAM/LEED), this usually means you can gain an “Innovation” or “Exemplary Performance” credit on top of the standard LCA credits.

73. Does One Click LCA support LEED v5? Yes, LEED v5 tools (beta/draft) are available for the US market.

74. What is the relationship between LCA and EDGE certification? EDGE focuses on energy, water, and materials efficiency. One Click LCA supports EDGE material efficiency calculations.

75. Is RICS providing LCA certification in the UK? RICS provides the professional statement (standard) for LCA, but they do not certify the software itself in the same way. However, OCL is compliant with RICS methodology.

76. Can I use this for “Temporary Structures” (Exhibits/Events)? Yes, you can perform LCAs on temporary structures. We have seen precedents for pavilions and events.

9. Careers, Training & Professional Development

(Questions 77–81)

77. Is this course suitable for recent graduates or students? Yes. It is a valid course for anyone wanting to learn the “What, How, and Why” of LCA, regardless of industry experience.

78. Can I use One Click LCA for my PhD research? Yes. Many students use it for research (e.g., recycling workflows, comparisons). You can access the tool via a student license, or if you are doing PhD research, discounted licenses are available.

79. How do I become a certified LCA expert? Completing this bootcamp and passing the exam is a recognized step. We also offer advanced certifications through the Academy.

80. Does this help with the ACLCA exam? Yes, the fundamental knowledge covered here aligns well with the ACLCA (American Center for Life Cycle Assessment) requirements.

81. I have a sustainability background but no construction experience — how do I enter the field? Focus on understanding the data. Construction firms need people who can manage EPDs, interpret reports, and handle the “compliance” aspect (ESG/Certifications), which doesn’t strictly require a civil engineering degree. This bootcamp is a perfect starting point.

10. Miscellaneous Technical Questions

(Questions 82–85)

82. Can I do a retrospective LCA on an old building (e.g., built in 1870)? Yes, but it is tricky. Manufacturing data from 1870 doesn’t exist. You would need to use current data as a proxy or make assumptions using Carbon Designer 3D archetypes.

83. How many projects have been analyzed with One Click LCA globally? Hundreds of thousands of projects across 170+ countries. We track this internally to monitor global impact.

84. Can I do comparisons for Roads/Infrastructure? Yes, using the specific Infrastructure tools, you can compare different road build-ups and civil engineering works.

85. Is One Click LCA used by major retail/banking chains? Yes, it is used by major portfolio owners to manage carbon across thousands of assets/branches.