Environmental Impact Analysis of Building Material Using Building Information Modelling and Life Cycle Assessment Tool

Abstract

The construction industry consumes a large number of resources and energy, producing a negative impact on the environment. Nowadays, the world is facing problems of climate change, ozone layer depletion, temperature rises, etc. with an increase in greenhouse gas emissions. In India to get an environment clearance certificate for any project, environmental impact assessment is most important, which is measured by means of life cycle impact assessment. The aim of this research work is to measure the impact of various building materials by evaluating energy consumption at different stages throughout the life span of the building. This work follows a life cycle assessment framework based on the ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 guidelines within the available databases using Autodesk Revit (building information modelling tool) and One-Click LCA (life cycle assessment tool) integration. The main objectives of the research work are: (1) to compare concrete frame structure and steel frame structure; (2) to compare conventional and modern building materials, on the basis of their environmental impact. To achieve the objectives of the work, a real-life case study of the residential apartment building is selected and analysis of energy consumption is done. The results from the energy consumption calculation indicate that steel frame with modern building materials produces a less negative impact on the environment as compared to concrete frame and conventional building material. This research work is limited to the environmental impact of building frame type and material selection during the early design phase of the building. It encourages the application of steel frames as well as modern building materials to protect the natural environment and climate change.