Recording and slides of session 3 are now available on the academy.
Construction LCA Bootcamp - Session 3 Q&A
1. LCA Policy & Global Trends
(Mandates, regional differences, and verification)
1. When will mandatory LCA reporting for new buildings begin in the EU?
Starting in 2028, mandatory reporting will be required for all new public buildings, extending to all new buildings by 2030.
2. Are there similar LCA mandates in the Asia-Pacific or Middle East?
While not currently as stringent as the EU, local legislation is emerging; for example, some cities in Australia have adopted Green Star as a mandate. We support among others for Asia-Pacific:
- National Standard for Building Carbon Emission Calculations (GB/T51366)
- Singapore Green Mark
- Lotus
- Green Building Label / Three Star
- Griha and IGBC Net Zero Carbon
For the Middle East, while LEED is common, we also support:
- Estidama
- GSAS
- Mostadam
3. Is LEED or BREEAM more prevalent in Europe?
It varies; while BREEAM is widespread, LEED is frequently used in Ireland for USA-based clients.
4. Who is verifying an LCA when assessing outside of certification?
Verification typically involves professional third-party practitioners to ensure the assessment aligns with international standards like ISO and EN. Internal verification are also common practices.
2. LCC & Specialized Tools
(Life Cycle Costing and specialized analysis)
5. Will the Academy provide training on Life Cycle Costing (LCC) and Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG)?
Yes, training for these modules is available as they are increasingly integrated into licenses.
6. How do I implement the LCC module?
The LCC tool is used alongside LCA tools. You must set financial parameters and may need to add bespoke costs for specific items or operations.
7. How can I ask for an LCC demo?
You can book a demo directly via the One Click LCA website (if you have a commercial interest in the tool). We are soon launching a new LCC tool which will come with guidance and videos.
8. Is there a way to work out embodied carbon for M&E items without using CIBSE TM65?
Yes, you can use MEP-specific EPDs or check the functional units of similar materials in the database to estimate these impacts.
3. BIM, Software & Imports
(Revit, IFC, and data mapping)
9. What information should the .rvt file contain for the software to read it correctly?
The file should have clear material identification and quantities to ensure the data can be accurately mapped in the platform.
10. What do I do if the Revit file has “unidentified” or unclear material types?
In these cases, it is best to ask the client for a Bill of Quantities (BoQ) or a detailed material list to ensure accuracy.
11. Is it better to use IFC or Excel for ArchiCAD data?
While direct imports are faster, a human check is always advised. The tool “learns” from your manual clarifications to speed up future imports.
12. Can I import data from IES VE or eQUEST?
IES VE data can be imported directly. For eQUEST, you can use the Excel import templates to bridge the gap.
13. Can Teamcenter data be used?
Yes, if it can be formatted into Excel, you can upload it and map it against relevant EPDs.
14. What is the suggested workflow if I change materials in One Click LCA but cannot sync back to BIM?
You must manually list the changes or mappings and then update your BIM tool to ensure the design model reflects the LCA optimizations.
15. Can I use this software for non-construction items, like a ship?
The tool is specifically geared for the construction industry and is not intended for products like vessels. Specific materials used in ship-building likely are not present in the form of EPDs. (Not just in the software, in the industry)
4. EPD Specifics & Data Accuracy
(Data quality and regional proxies)
16. What is the difference between a manufacturer EPD and a plant-specific EPD?
Manufacturer EPDs often cover an average across several sites, whereas plant-specific EPDs provide data for one specific location, offering higher precision.
17. Do EPDs become outdated?
Yes, EPDs typically need to be renewed every 5 years.
18. How can we improve decision-making in regions with limited EPDs, like South Asia?
You can use AI-driven mapping and localization methods to adapt available data to your specific regional context.
19. What exactly should be checked during the mapping process?
You should verify the EPD type, the geographical location, and the material technology against the project requirements.
20. How much error margin is introduced by using Nordic or EU defaults for Asian projects?
Using proxy data from different regions introduces a margin of error that should be noted in the sensitivity assessment.
21. Can I map materials after importing an Excel file?
Yes, you can manually map or adjust material assignments after the import is complete.
5. Bootcamp Logistics
(Software access, passwords, and exams)
22. How long is the bootcamp software key valid?
The password for software access is valid for four weeks. (the duration of the access, until the end date (23rd of May).
23. Can I use my own IFC building for the demo?
Yes you can.
24. Will recordings be available to review before the Thursday exam?
Yes, all session recordings are uploaded to the Academy course space for you to revisit at your convenience.