Life Cycle Analysis

We can undertake whole-building Life Cycle Assessments (LCA), using specialized tools, that help evaluate the environmental impact of building projects across their entire life cycle, i.e. from raw material extraction, to materials manufacture, transportation, use, maintenance, and recycling or disposal at end of life.

Environmental impact in LCAs is assessed against a range of categories such as climate change, human toxicity, water use, etc. The aim of such studies is to identify and inform design teams at early stage on the high contributors, therefore encourage the specification and use of more sustainable construction materials and systems.

In the context of the EU Taxonomy framework and other decarbonization goals, there is increasing demand for Whole Life Carbon Assessments (WCLAs) that assess the overall carbon produced by a building project across its full life cycle, i.e. accounting for both embodied carbon and operational carbon. 

Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) and Whole Life Carbon Assessments (WLCAs) may contribute towards credits under LEED and BREEAM assessment schemes, therefore supporting the achievement of projects’ overall certification targets.