Session 2 Q&A
We had 183 questions in total across the Q&A panel and the chat. I narrowed it down to 74 key questions that cover everything participants wanted to know. I categorised the questions according to the following topics:
- Bootcamp Logistics, Licenses & Support
- LCA Standards, Legislation & The Business Case
- Assessment Methods, Impact Indicators & Allocation
- The Construction LCA Process: Modules A1–A5 (Product & Construction)
- The Construction LCA Process: Modules B–D (Use, End of Life & Circularity)
- EPDs, Program Operators & Database Structure
- Software Workflows, Integrations & Modeling Scenarios
- Certifications, Compliance & Careers
1. Bootcamp Logistics, Licenses & Support
(Questions 1–8)
1. Where can I find the video recap for Session 1?
The recording and slides for Session 1 are available on the One Click LCA Academy (academy.oneclicklca.com) under the “Construction LCA Bootcamp” course.
2. I missed the EPD Bootcamp last week. Can I still get access?
Yes. Please let the moderators during the construction LCA bootcamp know directly, and we can manually enroll you in the EPD Bootcamp course.
3. I am encountering an error: “There are no available designs to copy data from.” What should I do?
This error occurs because you haven’t created any previous designs in that tool yet, or do not have access to designs in other projects. Since this is your first project, skip the “Copy data” step and start a fresh design.
4. My educational license key isn’t working for Infrastructure tools. Why?
The standard educational license is for Building LCA. Accessing Infrastructure tools (roads, grids) requires a specific license type, though some student versions now include basic infra capabilities. When requesting a student license, if your goal is to pursue infrastructure LCA; you should state this in your application.
5. Will there be a sample LCA report provided?
Yes. We will look at reports in Session 3. You can also generate sample reports yourself after you have received access to One Click LCA.
6. Can I use the free trial during the course?
Yes, however you will also receive a specific bootcamp license key during Session 3 which gives you full access for 4 weeks.
7. I have an issue activating my license code (university issue). Who helps?
Please contact support@oneclicklca.com with your account details.
8. Are the slides and recordings free to access?
Yes, they remain free on the Academy for all registered participants for the duration of the bootcamp.
2. LCA Standards, Legislation & The Business Case
(Questions 9–14)
9. Are you tracking the updates to EN 15978 (2025 version)?
Yes. We follow the standards closely. When the revised EN 15978 (Assessment of buildings) is published, One Click LCA will update its tools to remain fully compliant.
10. How does “Carbon Tunnel Vision” apply to the new regulations?
Regulations like the EPBD currently focus heavily on GWP (Global Warming Potential). However, standards like EN 15804 require reporting on multiple indicators (Acidification, Eutrophication, etc.) to ensure we don’t create other environmental problems while solving the climate crisis.
11. Does LCA apply to Canada now?
Yes. The National Research Council of Canada has guidelines, and cities like Vancouver have specific embodied carbon reporting requirements in their zero-emissions plans.
12. Does the software cover “Module A0” (Pre-construction)?
It depends on the method. Module A0 is part of Infrastructure LCAs (EN 17472) or specific schemes like RICS v2 (UK). If you select a compliant tool, A0 is included.
13. Does the software support “Cost Plans”?
Yes. “Cost Plans” refers to Bills of Quantities (BoQ) used by Quantity Surveyors. These are excellent data sources for LCA. One Click LCA can import these Excel files directly.
14. Do manufacturers publish EPDs in different registers for visibility?
Yes. Manufacturers often register EPDs in multiple platforms (e.g., EPD Hub + a local country database) to ensure designers in different regions find them.
3. Assessment Methods, Impact Indicators & Allocation
(Questions 15–23)
15. What is the difference between GWP-Total and GWP-Fossil?
- GWP-Total: Includes fossil carbon + biogenic carbon (from plants/wood). + LULUC
- GWP-Fossil: Only counts emissions from fossil fuels.
EN 15804+A2 uses GWP-Total as the main indicator, but GWP-Fossil is often used for comparison to avoid confusion with temporary biogenic storage.
16. What is the difference between “GWP-Total” and “GWP-GHG”?
- GWP-GHG excludes biogenic CO2 (characterization factor of zero).
- GWP-Total includes it. For a wood product, these two numbers will look very different in the A1-A3 stages.
17. What is GTP (Global Temperature Potential)?
GTP estimates the actual temperature change at the end of a period, whereas GWP measures heat absorbed. Most regulations currently stick to GWP.
18. Is PM2.5 (Particulate Matter) taken into account?
Yes, “Particulate Matter” is a required impact category in EN 15804+A2 compliant LCAs.
19. Are radioactive substances examined?
Yes, Ionizing Radiation is an impact category in EN 15804+A2, mainly relevant for nuclear energy in the grid mix.
20. What is “Allocation” in recycling (e.g., Fly Ash)?
Allocation decides who gets the environmental burden.
- Economic Allocation: Fly ash is a low-value waste from coal power, so it enters the concrete system almost “burden-free” (A1=0), which is why it lowers the concrete’s carbon footprint.
21. How does the concept of “Functional Unit” translate to buildings?
For a product, it’s “1 kg.” For a building, it is typically “1 m² of Gross Floor Area over X years (e.g., 60 years).” This allows fair comparison between different building designs.
22. How is “Carbonation” (CO2 uptake) accounted for?
Carbonation is typically calculated in Module B1 or Module C. One Click LCA can calculate this if the concrete dataset supports carbonation modeling.
23. Is “Cradle to Cradle” an official system boundary?
“Cradle to Cradle” is a design philosophy. In formal LCA standards (EN 15978), we use “Cradle to Grave” (A-C) plus “Module D” (Reuse/Recovery potential).
4. The Construction LCA Process: Modules A1–A5 (Product & Construction)
(Questions 24–33)
24. Does the “Cradle to Gate” scope apply to buildings?
No. “Cradle to Gate” (A1-A3) applies to Products. A Building LCA generally covers at least A1-A5 (Practical Completion), and ideally A-C (Whole Life).
25. If I use Recycled Concrete, is the impact zero?
No. The A1 (Raw Material) impact might be zero/low, but you still have A2 (Transport) and A3 (Processing) impacts to crush and mix the old concrete.
26. How do I model a concrete mixer on-site?
- Ready-mix: Energy is in A3 (Manufacturing).
- Site-mix: Diesel/electricity for the mixer belongs in A5 (Construction Installation).
27. How do we account for the energy of forklifts?
- At factory: Included in A3.
- On-site: Included in A5.
28. How is “Earthmoving” or excavation introduced?
Excavation is part of Module A5. You model it by inputting the soil volume (m³) or fuel consumed (liters of diesel).
29. What information is needed for 3D printed concrete?
You need the ink/mortar EPD (A1-A3) and the energy consumption of the 3D printer (A3 or A5).
30. Is the transport distance “as the crow flies” or actual road distance?
It should be actual road distance. If unknown, the software uses a default factor to estimate it, which you can always update. In a future update you will be able to take the actual distances from the factory gate to the construction site automatically.
31. Do we account for energy use in the architect’s office?
No. This is considered overhead and is excluded from the building’s physical LCA.
32. How do I enter refrigerant data?
Enter the initial charge (kg) in A1/A5. Leakage is modeled in B1.
33. Can I model the electricity grid infrastructure?
Yes. If you have the Infrastructure license, you can access materials like cables, substations, and transmission towers.
5. The Construction LCA Process: Modules B–D (Use, End of Life & Circularity)
(Questions 34–41)
34. What is the difference between Module B2, B6, and B7?
- B2 (Maintenance): Cleaning, painting, repairs.
- B6 (Operational Energy): Heating, cooling, power.
- B7 (Operational Water): Water use and treatment.
35. Does “Cleaning Windows” count as energy?
No. It is B2 (Maintenance).
36. Do we account for personal activities (cooking, appliances)?
Plug loads (computers, appliances) are included in B6 if regulated. Human behavior (lifestyle) is typically excluded.
37. What is “Module B8”?
B8 is used in standards like PAS 2080 to cover User Activities (e.g., user transport to the asset), separate from the asset’s own operation.
38. What is the status of “Module D” (Recycling & Reuse)?
- EN 15978 requires it to be reported separately.
- Some certifications (DGNB) include it in the final score.
- It is essential for Circular Economy assessments.
39. How do we model “Modular Buildings”?
- A5: Often lower impacts (fast installation).
- B4 (Replacement): Check lifespan of pods vs. structure.
- Module D: High reuse potential.
40. What about biodegradable materials?
Carbon uptake happens in A1. If they degrade in landfill at End of Life (C4), the carbon is released as methane/CO2.
41. Are there impact categories for waste generation?
Yes. The Results Report lists Hazardous waste, Non-hazardous waste, and Materials for recycling (kg).
6. EPDs, Program Operators & Database Structure
(Questions 42–51)
42. What is a “Program Operator”?
A body (like EPD International, IBU, UL) that verifies and publishes EPDs. One Click LCA aggregates data from all major operators.
43. Where do “Generic (One Click LCA)” materials come from?
They are created by our internal engineers based on scientific papers, benchmarks, and EPD averages. They are safe for early-stage design.
44. What if an EPD is missing data (e.g., no C1-C4)?
The software automatically applies default scenarios for Transport (A4) and End of Life (C1-C4) based on the material type (e.g., concrete).
45. Can I trust “Generic” data for certification?
Yes, but certifications usually apply a penalty to generic data. Swap for specific EPDs when possible.
46. Why do some materials have “No EPD attached”?
These are generic datasets (averages), so there is no single manufacturer PDF to download.
47. Can I use a US EPD for a European project?
Not recommended. A4 (Transport) and A3 (Grid Mix) will be wrong, and standards (TRACI vs EN 15804) differ.
48. Is “Ecoinvent” data included?
Yes, however Ecoinvent data cannot directly be used in building or infrastructure assessments. It is used directly for Product LCA or EPD assessments.
49. How often is the database updated?
Continuously (weekly) as new EPDs are published.
50. Can I search for materials that already have EPDs?
Yes. Use the filter “EPD” in the search bar to exclude generic data.
51. Are EPDs free to access?
Yes. They are free to download from operators and free to use within One Click LCA.
7. Software Workflows, Integrations & Modeling Scenarios
(Questions 52–60)
52. Can I copy data from “Design” to “As-Built”?
Yes. Duplicating your project is the best practice for tracking stages.
53. Does the software integrate with Revit for Module A5?
The Revit plugin extracts quantities (A1-A3). For A5, you typically use the software’s “A5 Scenarios’ or manually fill in the data.
54. How does the software prioritize Excel import data?
It attempts to map mappings you have made previously, then mappings made by your colleagues, mappings by people from the same country as your assessment is in, then other users. If none exist, AI mappings are an option.
55. Can I see the “Formulas” behind calculations?
Yes. Click the “i” (Question Mark) icon on any result to see the Quantity × EPD calculation.
56. How do I change units (m³ to kg)?
The software converts units automatically using the material’s density.
57. Is there an integration with Autodesk Insight?
Insight provides basic data; One Click LCA provides compliant verification. Workflows exist to bridge the two.
58. Can I use IES-VE models?
Yes, there is an native integration for IES-VE.
59. How conservative are scenario assumptions?
They are generally “average” or slightly conservative to avoid greenwashing (e.g., regional average transport distances).
60. Does the software allow 3rd party supplier data?
Yes, we integrate with external databases like Ökobaudat and INIES.
8. Certifications, Compliance & Careers
(Questions 61–74)
61. What is the scope for DGNB (Germany)?
DGNB requires A1-A3, B4, B6, C3-C4, and notably Module D.
62. Does One Click LCA support RICS v2 (UK)?
Yes, with a dedicated RICS Professional Statement tool. (Actually two, also one specifically for Infrastructure).
63. Can I use this for Scope 3 reporting?
Yes. Upfront Carbon (A1-A5) corresponds to Scope 3, Category 2 (Capital Goods).
64. Is 3rd party verification of the Project LCA mandatory?
For certifications (BREEAM/LEED), you can get additional credits. For a Green Star assessment it is mandatory. For internal ESG, optional but recommended.
65. Can I directly integrate LEED tools?
We focus on Materials & Resources. For “Indoor Water Reduction,” we support the data but the calculator is usually separate.
66. What about existing buildings/retrofits?
The focus is on Module B and the carbon saved by retaining the structure (A1=0).
67. Does an Airport count as Building or Infrastructure LCA?
Terminal = Building. Runway = Infrastructure. You typically need licenses for both.
68. Is this bootcamp sufficient to become an “LCA Expert”?
It covers the fundamentals and is considered the start of your learning path.
69. Can I use my student license for commercial work?
No. It is strictly for academic use.
70. Who conducts LCAs: in-house staff or consultants?
Both. Large firms now increasingly have in-house teams.
71. Is there an opportunity to intern remotely?
Check the One Click LCA Careers page for current openings.
72. Will we see a historical building retrofit example?
The principles are supported (Refurbishment scenarios), though demos usually focus on new builds.
73. Can I integrate CIBSE EVC data for MEP?
We aim to include compatible databases as they become available for licensing, TM65 data is already available in the software.
74. Can I trust the “Material Compass” for MENA region?
Yes, it includes local MENA manufacturers and common imports.