What is Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and why is it important?
You’re looking for new apartments in Perth and you’re hoping to find one that utilises green design practices. How can you be sure what the developer is selling you is truly a green sustainable home? An independent life cycle assessment (LCA) rating is the best way to make that determination.
One good way to assess the environmental impact associated with a new property is by looking at the LCA. The assessment is conducted in 3 steps:
In other words, an LCA is a good way for consumers to have an objective and independent view of a green design.
The diagram demonstrates how LCA examines the total environmental impact of a building through every step of its life – from cradle to grave including raw material extraction, manufacture, transport, assembly use and disposal or recycling.
The goals of an LCA are important to anyone interested in helping to address the global warming issue. It’s estimated buildings account for 35% of the world’s carbon footprint. Using an LCA, developers can build for a sustainable future with a goal to:
Perth is fortunate to have an internationally recognised local provider for LCA technology. The eTool LCA Medal ratings provides 4 different categories depending on the how much green house gas emissions have been saved.
Bronze Medal - Saving of up to 30%
Silver Medal – 30% to 60% savings
Gold Medal – 60% to 90% savings
Platinum Medal – More than 90% savings
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