Recently, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Dr. Eleanor Hughes, a seasoned environmental engineer who specialises in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for sustainable construction projects. Our conversation revolved around her latest project—an in-depth LCA analysis of material selection in sustainable airport buildings. Dr. Hughes’s insights provide a fascinating look into the intricate processes and methodologies that underpin sustainable construction, particularly within the context of globally accepted green building certifications like BREEAM.
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Understanding the BREEAM Framework
Dr. Hughes began by explaining the significance of BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method), a globally accepted green building assessment and certification system. “BREEAM evaluates construction projects based on various sustainability criteria, including energy use, water conservation, material selection, indoor air quality, and waste management,” she explained. “It’s a comprehensive framework that ensures buildings are designed and constructed to minimise their environmental impact while promoting social and economic sustainability.”
The Role of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
The core of Dr. Hughes’s work involves the application of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodologies to assess the environmental impacts of construction materials throughout their entire life cycle. “LCA is indispensable for sustainable development,” she noted. “It provides a holistic view of the environmental costs associated with each stage of a product’s life, from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal.”
In her recent study, Dr. Hughes focused on three widely used construction materials—concrete, steel, and wood—within eight green building-certified airport terminals. By utilising OpenLCA software and the ECOinvent database, she was able to conduct a detailed assessment across five key life cycle modules: production, application, use, end-of-life, and remanufacturing.
Concrete: A Double-Edged Sword
Concrete is a staple in construction due to its durability and structural integrity. However, Dr. Hughes highlighted its significant environmental footprint. “The raw material supply stage, which includes extraction and initial processing, is where concrete has the highest global warming potential (GWP),” she explained. “This phase alone accounts for approximately 59% of its total GWP. Additionally, the production phase is marked by high acidification potential (AP), reflecting the environmental challenges associated with concrete manufacturing.”
Steel: The Logistics Challenge
Steel is another critical material in airport construction, praised for its strength and recyclability. However, its environmental impact is heavily influenced by transportation logistics. “The transportation phase to the manufacturer is particularly impactful for steel,” Dr. Hughes pointed out. “This phase exhibits the highest GWP, ozone depletion potential (ODP), and AP values. Optimising transportation methods and exploring local sourcing options could significantly reduce its environmental footprint.”
Wood: The Sustainable Contender
Wood, often regarded as a more sustainable alternative, presents a unique environmental profile. “Wood acts as a carbon sink during its growth phase, which is a significant advantage,” Dr. Hughes said. “However, the transportation phase presents challenges, particularly in terms of ozone depletion potential. Ensuring that wood is sustainably harvested, efficiently transported, and installed with minimal environmental impact can position it as a cornerstone of sustainable construction.”
Combining LCA with BREEAM
Dr. Hughes emphasised the complementary nature of LCA and BREEAM. “BREEAM assessments cover a wide range of sustainability criteria, but the detailed insights provided by LCA are invaluable for material selection,” she explained. “For instance, BREEAM encourages the use of materials with lower environmental impacts, and LCA provides the quantitative data needed to make informed decisions.”
Policy Implications and Future Directions
The findings from Dr. Hughes’s study have significant implications for policymakers and construction professionals alike. “Policymakers can use these insights to develop regulations and incentives that promote the use of sustainable materials,” she suggested. “For example, encouraging the use of low-impact materials like sustainably sourced wood or incentivising the reduction of emissions associated with material transportation.”
For construction professionals, these insights can inform the design and execution of sustainable airport projects. “Incorporating more sustainable practices in material sourcing, such as using locally available resources, can significantly reduce environmental impacts,” Dr. Hughes said. “The findings support the adoption of green building certifications like BREEAM, which promote the use of materials and practices that reduce environmental footprints.”
Concluding Thoughts
Dr. Hughes concluded our conversation by stressing the importance of continuous improvement in sustainable construction practices. “As materials and technologies evolve, regularly updating LCA models and databases is essential to ensure that decision-makers have access to the most accurate and relevant information,” she stated. “Ultimately, the goal is to create less environmentally harmful and more durable infrastructures for future generations.”
The conversation with Dr. Hughes provided a comprehensive understanding of how LCA and green building certifications like BREEAM can guide sustainable construction practices. Her insights underscore the critical role of informed material selection in reducing the environmental impact of airport buildings, contributing to the broader objective of sustainable infrastructure development.
By Marcia Snyder
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