Recordings and slide of session 2 are now available on the academy.
Construction LCA Bootcamp - Session 2 Q&A
Thanks for all the great questions! I have filtered the logs, combined similar queries, and provided answers for those that were addressed live during the session.
1. Standards, Regulations & BREEAM
(BREEAM v7, EPBD, and regional reporting)
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Is there a reporting method suitable for the new BREEAM v7 platform?
Yes, you can export results into the correct templates. For example, if you are working in RICS v2, you can export the results in the RICS v2 template, and the same applies to BREEAM v7. -
How will One Click LCA handle the UKNZCBS exclusion of certain RICS categories? One Click LCA facilitates reporting for RICS v2 and UKNZCBS separately to account for differences in upfront carbon limits.
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Does the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) impact existing buildings?
Yes, the EPBD has significant implications for the existing building stock, which is a much larger market than new construction. -
Are we required to use future climate weather files for energy modeling?
For energy consumption, you add the total annual kWh. While most tools don’t require future climate files, certain standards like BREEAM do.
2. Advanced LCA Methodology & Impact Assessment
(Module boundaries, technical definitions, and sensitivity)
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What is the difference between LCIA and sensitivity assessment?
LCIA is a mandatory step to quantify environmental impacts. A sensitivity assessment is a supplementary analysis used to test how changes in input data or assumptions affect the results. -
How are byproducts handled in the manufacturing stage (A1-A3)?
All byproducts are taken into account at the A3 phase within the EPD. -
Does the EN 15804+A2 standard cover specific GWP sub-categories?
Yes, it covers GWP-fossil, GWP-biogenic, GWP-luluc (land use and land-use change), and GWP-total. -
Can an Organic Waste Converter (OWC) be considered under Module D?
Yes, it can. Module D captures the net benefits of recycling, reuse, or recovery beyond the project boundary. If an OWC converts waste into a usable resource (like compost replacing synthetic fertilizer), the “credit” for avoiding primary production is recorded in Module D. You must simply ensure the energy to run the OWC is accounted for in the operational modules (B) to avoid double-counting. -
Does Stage D overlap with Stages A or C?
No, they remain distinct. While Stage D can include benefits from materials “wasted” during construction (A5) or demolition (C), the impacts (the cost to the environment) are recorded in A or C, while the benefits (the potential for reuse elsewhere) are recorded separately in D. This prevents double-counting and provides a clear picture of both the project’s footprint and its circularity potential.
3. Data Quality & EPD Management
(Data compatibility, missing data, and software comparisons)
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Can I use European EPDs (EN 15804+A2) for North American projects?
North American tools use the TRACI method, which is incompatible with the data in EN 15804+A2 EPDs. However, our Global Carbon tool allows CO2 calculations using both TRACI and CML data. -
What happens if an EPD is missing Module C (End of Life) data?
One Click LCA applies its own standard-compliant scenarios (C1–C4) to ensure these impacts are accounted for. -
Do manufacturers have to pay a fee to have their EPDs published?
No, all EPDs that meet minimum requirements are added for free. -
Is it easier to perform a building LCA in One Click LCA rather than SimaPro?
Yes, because One Click LCA is specifically optimized for construction workflows and BIM integration. -
Should I use a “representative” EPD if my specific product isn’t listed?
It is best to look for the EPD that most accurately represents the specific material used.
4. Design Phase Application & Tools
(Early-stage modeling and requirements)
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What do I need to start a simple building LCA?
A bill of materials and the gross floor area (GFA) are enough to begin. -
Is it better to use ecoinvent databases with the EF 3.1 methodology?
This was addressed live to clarify how different databases interact with characterization steps. -
What happens if the EU Green Deal is scrapped?
I would consider it highly unlikely that the core sustainability requirements will disappear, even if political branding shifts. Much of the Green Deal’s framework has already been converted into legally binding laws, such as the European Climate Law, which mandates climate neutrality by 2050.For the construction industry, the most critical piece of legislation is the EPBD. This directive is already in effect and sets specific, mandatory deadlines for Whole Life Carbon reporting:
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2028: Mandatory reporting for all new public buildings.
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2030: Mandatory reporting for all new buildings regardless of ownership.
Furthermore, the shift toward LCA is no longer just driven by policy, but by financial markets. Major investors and developers have already aligned their long-term strategies with these standards to manage risk. Scrapping these regulations would create significant market instability and disadvantage companies that have already invested in carbon-neutral supply chains. In short, the technical transition via building codes and financial requirements is already well underway.
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5. Interactive Chat Discussions
(Real-time participant queries and career paths)
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Is demolition and mandatory carbon reporting frequent in Europe?
Participants discussed varying levels of regulation across the EU, with some countries like Denmark (BR18) and the UK having strict requirements, while others remain voluntary. -
What career opportunities exist for LCA specialists?
Expertise opens roles in sustainability consulting, embodied carbon analysis, and ESG management. -
How can we overcome “tick-box” attitudes from clients?
This was a key discussion on using value chain transparency and updated “as-built” models to show real value. -
How much should one charge for performing an LCA optimization?
This was discussed in the context of professional consulting fees.