Recording and slides of session 4 are now available on the academy.
Construction LCA Bootcamp - Session 4 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. Circular Economy & the “5R” Framework
(Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repair, Recycle)
1. How does the “5R” framework practically apply to a building LCA?
The framework prioritizes high-level interventions like “Refurbish” (not building new) and “Reuse” (repurposing existing structures). In LCA terms, this significantly reduces Stage A1-A3 impacts by avoiding the consumption of new raw materials.
2. Can we account for “Design for Disassembly” in current software?
Yes. By selecting materials with high recovery potential (and model DfD correctly), you improve the benefits recorded in Module D. You can also adjust the end-of-life scenarios (C1-C4) to reflect that a building is designed to be taken apart rather than demolished.
3. What is the impact of “Refurbishment” vs. “New Build” in a 60-year LCA?
A refurbishment typically has a much lower upfront carbon footprint (A1-A3) because the primary structure is retained. However, the LCA must carefully account for Stage B4 (Replacement) of the new fit-out elements over the remaining service life.
2. Material Science: Concrete, Steel & Bio-based
(Decarbonization and material-specific modeling)
4. How do I model the carbon reduction of “Green Concrete” or Geopolymers?
You should look for EPDs that specify a high percentage of GGBS (Ground Granulated Blast-furnace Slag) or PFA (Pulverized Fuel Ash) as cement replacements. These can reduce the A1-A3 impact of concrete by up to 40-60%.
5. Does the software account for the “Recycled Content” in steel automatically?
It depends on the EPD selected. “Secondary” steel (produced via Electric Arc Furnace) has a significantly lower carbon footprint than “Primary” steel (Blast Furnace). You must ensure the data point you select matches the procurement specification, often you can find it in the name of the product.
6. Are bio-based materials like timber or straw always “Carbon Neutral”?
Not necessarily. While they sequester carbon during growth, the LCA must also account for harvesting, processing energy, and transport. The “Net” benefit is only realized if the timber is sourced from sustainably managed forests and doesn’t release its stored carbon prematurely at the end of life.
7. Where can I find more info on Ecodesign for timber and insulation?
The team shared specific resources during the chat for ecodesign in structural timber and insulation to help with material selection.
3. Advanced Methodology: Energy & Refrigerants
(Technical modeling for M&E and infrastructure)
8. How do I handle top carbon products for Civil Infrastructure or Earthworks?
For projects without structures (roads, drainage, sewers), the highest impacts typically come from bulk materials like asphalt, aggregates, and the fuel used in heavy machinery for earthmoving (Stage A5).
9. Is there a way to model “Pump Energy” savings in the LCA?
Yes. Significant energy savings (e.g., ~35%) achieved through pump optimization should be reflected in the total annual kWh in Stage B6 (Operational Energy).
10. How do I model refrigerant leaks in the “Use Stage”?
Refrigerant impacts are part of Stage B1. You must input the type of refrigerant (GWP) and the expected annual leakage rate. High-GWP refrigerants can often outweigh the energy savings of the HVAC system they serve.
4. Exam & Final Certification Logistics
(Software access, exam links, and next steps)
11. Where can I find the link to the final exam?
The exam is located on the course page at academy.oneclicklca.com. It is a multiple-choice test available to all bootcamp participants.
12. What is the password for the software and exam access?
The password shared for the session materials.
13. How long do I have access to the software after the bootcamp ends?
Participants typically have access to the training license for a duration of 4 weeks from the start of the bootcamp.
14. Can I still watch the recordings if I want to study before taking the exam?
Yes. All recordings from the four sessions are uploaded to the Academy website under the current bootcamp course.
15. If I missed a few days, can I still get the certificate?
Yes, provided you watch the recordings to catch up and successfully pass the exam on the Academy platform.
16. Will the presentation slides be available for download?
Yes, the link to the presentations and all supporting data (Excel sheets, models) is provided within the Academy course space.
17. Is there a physical bootcamp or seminar planned in Europe?
Currently, these bootcamps are held digitally to reach a global audience, but local events or seminars may be announced through the One Click LCA newsletter.
18. What happens after I pass the exam?
You will receive a “Certificate of Completion” for the LCA Specialist course, which you can add to your CV or LinkedIn profile.
19. Can I use the demo software to practice on my own IFC files?
Yes, the standard bootcamp demo license includes automated BIM/IFC import features.
20. When is the next bootcamp if I want to recommend this to a colleague?
The Academy runs these sessions periodically (Spring/Autumn). Keep an eye on the website for the next “Construction LCA Bootcamp” announcement.