Applying LCA in Building Design – Easier Than You
Think! – Part II
How LCA can be used in building design.
LCA calculators and how they work.
Summary
Applying LCA in Building Design – Easier Than You Think! – Part II
How LCA Can Be Used in Building Design
Using LCA in Building Design
Inform decisions based on LCA.
Pre-rate building assemblies based on LCA.
Perform a whole building LCA.
There are today a number of user-friendly tools, available free or at low cost, that facilitate use of LCA in building design and materials selection. These tools can be used to:
LCA Calculators and How They Work
Using LCA in Building Design
Inform decisions based on LCA
Pre-rate building assemblies based on LCA.
Perform whole building LCA
http://www.nist.gov/el/economics/BEESSoftware.cfm
BEES Online
Building for Environmental and Economic Stability
The BEES Model An LCA-based level 1 product comparison tool for
use at the specification/procurement stage.
Provides detailed results for a wide range of impact
indicators.
Uses weighting factors to generate environmental and
economic scores.
Based on consensus standards.
Life cycle costing (ASTM E917)
Building element classification (ASTM E1557)
Environmental life cycle assessment (ISO 4040)
Multiattribute Decision Analysis (ASTM E1765)
Available on-line free of charge.
Product Scoring Under the BEES System
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is an agency of the U.S.
Commerce Department.
http://www.nist.gov/el/economics/BEESSoftware.cfm
BEES contains information about a large number of building products, ranging from framing and sheathing to floor coverings, quantifying environmental impacts for a wide range of impact measures.
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BEES Description/Summary:
The BEES (Building for Environmental and Economic Sustainability) software brings to your
fingertips a powerful technique for selecting cost-effective, environmentally-preferable building
products. Developed by the NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) Engineering
Laboratory the tool is based on consensus standards and designed to be practical, flexible, and
transparent. BEES Online, aimed at designers, builders, and product manufacturers, includes actual
environmental and economic performance data for 230 building products. BEES measures the
environmental performance of building products by using the life-cycle assessment approach
specified in the ISO 14040 series of standards. All stages in the life of a product are analyzed: raw
material acquisition, manufacture, transportation, installation, use, and recycling and waste
management. Economic performance is measured using the ASTM standard life-cycle cost method,
which covers the costs of initial investment, replacement, operation, maintenance and repair, and
disposal. Environmental and economic performance are combined into an overall performance
measure using the ASTM standard for Multi-Attribute Decision Analysis. For the entire BEES
analysis, building products are defined and classified according to the ASTM standard classification
for building elements known as UNIFORMAT II.BEES has been supported in part by the U.S. EPA
Environmentally Preferable Purchasing (EPP) Program. The EPP program is charged with carrying
out Executive Order 13423, "Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy, and Transportation
Management," which encourages Executive agencies to reduce the environmental burdens
associated with the more than $230 billion in products and services they buy each year, including
building products.
Details
Version: BEES Online
Last Updated: 2010
Type of software: Web
application
Authors:
Barbara Lippiatt
Anne Landfield Greig
Priya Lavappa
System/Platform:
Firefox or Internet Explorer 7.0
are recommended browsers.
Download information:
Click to visit BEES Online
BEES Online implements a powerful technique for selecting cost-effective, environmentally-preferable building
products. Developed by the NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) Engineering Laboratory's Office of
Applied Economics, the tool is based on consensus standards and designed to be practical, flexible, and transparent.
The BEES Online web application, aimed at designers, builders, and product manufacturers, includes actual
environmental and economic performance data for 230 building products.
BEES Online measures the environmental performance of building products by using the life-cycle assessment
approach specified in the ISO 14040 series of standards. All stages in the life of a product are analyzed: raw material
acquisition, manufacture, transportation, installation, use, and recycling and waste management. Economic
performance is measured using the ASTM standard life-cycle cost method, which covers the costs of initial
investment, replacement, operation, maintenance and repair, and disposal. Environmental and economic performance
are combined into an overall performance measure using the ASTM standard for Multi-Attribute Decision Analysis. For
the entire BEES Online analysis, building products are defined and classified according to the ASTM standard
classification for building elements known as UNIFORMAT II.
Impact Weight
Global Warming 29
Acidification 3
Eutrophication 6
Fossil Fuel Depletion 10
Indoor Air Quality 3
Habitat Alteration 6
Water Intake 8
Criteria Air Pollutants 9
Smog 4
Ecotoxicity 7
Ozone Depletion 2
Human Health 13
Sum: 100
Environmental Impact Category Weights
BEES Stakeholder Panel
EPA Science Advisory Board Based
Equal Weights
User Defined
Performance Weights
Environmental Performance (%): 50
Economic Performance (%): 50
Discount Rate(%)(Excluding Inflation): 2.7
50
Building Element for Comparison
Major Group Element
Group Element
Individual Element
View Product List
Building shell
Exterior Enclosure
Framing
Impact Weight
Global Warming 29
Acidification 3
Eutrophication 6
Fossil Fuel Depletion 10
Indoor Air Quality 3
Habitat Alteration 6
Water Intake 8
Criteria Air Pollutants 9
Smog 4
Ecotoxicity 7
Ozone Depletion 2
Human Health 13
Sum: 100
Environmental Impact Category Weights
BEES Stakeholder Panel
EPA Science Advisory Board Based
Equal Weights
User Defined
Performance Weights
Environmental Performance (%): 50
Economic Performance (%): 50
Discount Rate(%)(Excluding Inflation): 2.7
Building Element for Comparison
Major Group Element
Group Element
Individual Element
View Product List
Building shell
Exterior Enclosure
Framing
Bldg maintenance
Bldg repair & remodeling
Bldg sitework
Equip. & Furnishings
Interiors
Services
Shell
Substructure
Source: National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), BEES (2010).
Products Included Within the BEES System
Source: National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), BEES (2010).
Products Included Within the BEES System
Source: National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), BEES (2010).
Products Included Within the BEES System
Source: National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), BEES (2010).
Products Included Within the BEES System
http://www.nist.gov/el/economics/BEESSoftware.cfm
The next few slides (slides 20-28) show how BEES works, using as an example an LCA-based comparison of wood and steel framing. You will see, step-by-step, how to proceed through the BEES site, selecting what you wish to compare. Subsequent slides illustrate output from the model.
Impact Weight
Global Warming 29
Acidification 3
Eutrophication 6
Fossil Fuel Depletion 10
Indoor Air Quality 3
Habitat Alteration 6
Water Intake 8
Criteria Air Pollutants 9
Smog 4
Ecotoxicity 7
Ozone Depletion 2
Human Health 13
Sum: 100
Environmental Impact Category Weights
BEES Stakeholder Panel
EPA Science Advisory Board Based
Equal Weights
User Defined
Performance Weights
Environmental Performance (%):
Economic Performance (%): 50
Discount Rate(%)(Excluding Inflation): 2.7
50
Building Element for Comparison
Major Group Element
Group Element
Individual Element
View Product List
Building shell
Exterior Enclosure
Framing
Select Product Alternatives
Update Product Details
View Product Data
Generic Wood Framing – Untreated
Transportation distance from manufacturer to use:
miles kilometers 500 804
Update
Generic Steel Framing
Generic Wood Framing – Treated
Generic Wood Framing –
Untreated
Select Alternative
Product Distance (miles)
Generic Steel Framing 500
Select Product Alternatives
Update Product Details
View Product Data
Generic Wood Framing – Untreated
Transportation distance from manufacturer to use:
miles kilometers 500 804
Update
Generic Steel Framing
Generic Wood Framing – Treated
Generic Wood Framing –
Untreated
Select Alternative
Product Distance (miles)
Generic Steel Framing 500
Generic Wood Framing - Untreated 500
Compute
Using LCA in Building Design
Inform decisions based on LCA
Pre-rate building assemblies based on LCA.
Perform whole building LCA
The Athena EcoCalculator for Assemblies
This LCA tool, designed for use in the U.S. and Canada, is also user-friendly and available free of charge. The user can “build” a structure, choosing from among hundreds of generic building assemblies, and obtain a full life cycle assessment of the completed building.
Athena EcoCalculator for Assemblies
http://www.athenasmi.org/tools/ecoCalculator/downloadEcoCalculator.php
Commercial Residential
Geographic Zones Covered by the Athena EcoCalculator, v 3.6
Canada
Calgary
Halifax
Montreal
Ottawa
Quebec City
Toronto
Vancouver
Winnipeg
US
Atlanta
Los Angeles
Minneapolis
New York City
Orlando
Pittsburgh
Seattle
ASHRAE Regions 3 & 6
The Athena EcoCalculator for Assemblies
The next four slides illustrate the data input screen for the Athena EcoCalculator. Users enter information only in the yellow-shaded column.
TOTAL IMPACTS
BY BUILDING
COMPONENT
Fossil Fuel
Consumption
(MJ)
TOTAL
Weighted
Resource
Use
(tonnes)
TOTAL
GWP
(tonnes
CO2 eq)
TOTAL
Acidification
Potential (mol
es of H+ eq)
TOTAL
HH
Respiratory
Effects
Potential (kg
PM2.5 eq)
TOTAL
Eutrophication
Potential
(g N eq)
TOTAL
Ozone
Depletion
Potential
(mg CFC-
11 eq)
TOTAL
Smog
Potential
(kg NOx
eq)
TOTAL
COLUMNS &
BEAMS
WHOLE BUILDING
TOTAL
B. COLUMNS & BEAMS (Other assembly tabs at bottom of spreadsheet)
IN THE YELLOW CELLS BELOW, ENTER THE AMOUNT OF SQUARE FOOTAGE THAT EACH ASSEMBLY IS USED IN YOUR BUILDING
ASSEMBLY TYPE
(Column/Beam)
Square
footage
% of
Total
Fossil Fuel
Consumpt. per
ft2 (MJ)
Weighted
Resource
use per ft2
(kg)
Global
Warming
Potential
per ft2 (kg
CO2 eq)
Acidification
Potential per
ft2 (moles of
H+ eq)
HH
Respiratory
Effects
Potential (kg
PM2.5 eq)
TOTAL
Eutrophication
Potential
(mg N eq)
Ozone
Depletion
Potential
per ft2 (mg
CFC-11 eq)
Smog
potential
per ft2 (g
NOx eq)
Avg. across all column and beam systems: 24.68 7.06 1.28 0.52 2.67 1404 0.00 3.72
METHOD 2 (Assumes LOAD-BEARING exterior wall)
25 Glulam column/
LVL beam 0 13.95 6.13 0.69 0.26 1.35 286 0.00 1.25
26 Glulam column/
WF beam 0 32.93 2.80 1.31 0.57 2.62 2433 0.00 3.43
27 HSS column/
Glulam beam 0 9.59 3.50 0.51 0.20 1.02 209 0.00 0.82
28 HSS column/LVL
beam 0 16.03 6.40 0.78 0.30 1.57 351 0.00 1.42
29 HSS column/WF
beam 0 35.02 3.06 1.41 0.61 2.84 2499 0.00 3.61
30 LVL column/
Glulam beam 0 7.65 3.30 0.42 0.16 0.82 146 0.00 0.67
31 LVL column/LVL
beam 0 14.09 6.20 0.69 0.26 1.36 289 0.00 1.27
Foundations and
Footings
Columns and Beams
Intermediate Floors
Exterior Walls
Windows
Interior Walls
Roof
TOTAL IMPACTS
BY BUILDING
COMPONENT
Fossil Fuel
Consumption
(MJ)
TOTAL
Weighted
Resource
Use
(tonnes)
TOTAL
GWP
(tonnes
CO2 eq)
TOTAL
Acidification
Potential (mol
es of H+ eq)
TOTAL
HH
Respiratory
Effects
Potential (kg
PM2.5 eq)
TOTAL
Eutrophication
Potential
(g N eq)
TOTAL
Ozone
Depletion
Potential
(mg CFC-
11 eq)
TOTAL
Smog
Potential
(kg NOx
eq)
TOTAL
COLUMNS &
BEAMS
WHOLE BUILDING
TOTAL
B. COLUMNS & BEAMS (Other assembly tabs at bottom of spreadsheet)
IN THE YELLOW CELLS BELOW, ENTER THE AMOUNT OF SQUARE FOOTAGE THAT EACH ASSEMBLY IS USED IN YOUR BUILDING
ASSEMBLY TYPE
(Column/Beam)
Square
footage
% of
Total
Fossil Fuel
Consumpt. per
ft2 (MJ)
Weighted
Resource
use per ft2
(kg)
Global
Warming
Potential
per ft2 (kg
CO2 eq)
Acidification
Potential per
ft2 (moles of
H+ eq)
HH
Respiratory
Effects
Potential (kg
PM2.5 eq)
TOTAL
Eutrophication
Potential
(mg N eq)
Ozone
Depletion
Potential
per ft2 (mg
CFC-11 eq)
Smog
potential
per ft2 (g
NOx eq)
Avg. across all column and beam systems: 24.68 7.06 1.28 0.52 2.67 1404 0.00 3.72
METHOD 2 (Assumes LOAD-BEARING exterior wall)
25 Glulam column/
LVL beam 0 13.95 6.13 0.69 0.26 1.35 286 0.00 1.25
26 Glulam column/
WF beam 0 32.93 2.80 1.31 0.57 2.62 2433 0.00 3.43
27 HSS column/
Glulam beam 0 9.59 3.50 0.51 0.20 1.02 209 0.00 0.82
28 HSS column/LVL
beam 0 16.03 6.40 0.78 0.30 1.57 351 0.00 1.42
29 HSS column/WF
beam 0 35.02 3.06 1.41 0.61 2.84 2499 0.00 3.61
30 LVL column/
Glulam beam 0 7.65 3.30 0.42 0.16 0.82 146 0.00 0.67
31 LVL column/LVL
beam 0 14.09 6.20 0.69 0.26 1.36 289 0.00 1.27
Foundations and
Footings
Columns and Beams
Intermediate Floors
Exterior Walls
Windows
Interior Walls
Roof
TOTAL IMPACTS
BY BUILDING
COMPONENT
Fossil Fuel
Consumption
(MJ)
TOTAL
Weighted
Resource
Use
(tonnes)
TOTAL
GWP
(tonnes
CO2 eq)
TOTAL
Acidification
Potential (mol
es of H+ eq)
TOTAL
HH
Respiratory
Effects
Potential (kg
PM2.5 eq)
TOTAL
Eutrophication
Potential
(g N eq)
TOTAL
Ozone
Depletion
Potential
(mg CFC-
11 eq)
TOTAL
Smog
Potential
(kg NOx
eq)
TOTAL
COLUMNS &
BEAMS
WHOLE BUILDING
TOTAL
B. COLUMNS & BEAMS (Other assembly tabs at bottom of spreadsheet)
IN THE YELLOW CELLS BELOW, ENTER THE AMOUNT OF SQUARE FOOTAGE THAT EACH ASSEMBLY IS USED IN YOUR BUILDING
ASSEMBLY TYPE
(Column/Beam)
Square
footage
% of
Total
Fossil Fuel
Consumpt. per
ft2 (MJ)
Weighted
Resource
use per ft2
(kg)
Global
Warming
Potential
per ft2 (kg
CO2 eq)
Acidification
Potential per
ft2 (moles of
H+ eq)
HH
Respiratory
Effects
Potential (kg
PM2.5 eq)
TOTAL
Eutrophication
Potential
(mg N eq)
Ozone
Depletion
Potential
per ft2 (mg
CFC-11 eq)
Smog
potential
per ft2 (g
NOx eq)
Avg. across all column and beam systems: 24.68 7.06 1.28 0.52 2.67 1404 0.00 3.72
METHOD 2 (Assumes LOAD-BEARING exterior wall)
25 Glulam column/
LVL beam 0 13.95 6.13 0.69 0.26 1.35 286 0.00 1.25
26 Glulam column/
WF beam 0 32.93 2.80 1.31 0.57 2.62 2433 0.00 3.43
27 HSS column/
Glulam beam 0 9.59 3.50 0.51 0.20 1.02 209 0.00 0.82
28 HSS column/LVL
beam 0 16.03 6.40 0.78 0.30 1.57 351 0.00 1.42
29 HSS column/WF
beam 0 35.02 3.06 1.41 0.61 2.84 2499 0.00 3.61
30 LVL column/
Glulam beam 0 7.65 3.30 0.42 0.16 0.82 146 0.00 0.67
31 LVL column/LVL
beam 0 14.09 6.20 0.69 0.26 1.36 289 0.00 1.27
Foundations and
Footings
Columns and Beams
Intermediate Floors
Exterior Walls
Windows
Interior Walls
Roof
TOTAL IMPACTS
BY BUILDING
COMPONENT
Fossil Fuel
Consumption
(MJ)
TOTAL
Weighted
Resource
Use
(tonnes)
TOTAL
GWP
(tonnes
CO2 eq)
TOTAL
Acidification
Potential (mol
es of H+ eq)
TOTAL
HH
Respiratory
Effects
Potential (kg
PM2.5 eq)
TOTAL
Eutrophication
Potential
(g N eq)
TOTAL
Ozone
Depletion
Potential
(mg CFC-
11 eq)
TOTAL
Smog
Potential
(kg NOx
eq)
TOTAL
COLUMNS &
BEAMS
WHOLE BUILDING
TOTAL
B. COLUMNS & BEAMS (Other assembly tabs at bottom of spreadsheet)
IN THE YELLOW CELLS BELOW, ENTER THE AMOUNT OF SQUARE FOOTAGE THAT EACH ASSEMBLY IS USED IN YOUR BUILDING
ASSEMBLY TYPE
(Column/Beam)
Square
footage
% of
Total
Fossil Fuel
Consumpt. per
ft2 (MJ)
Weighted
Resource
use per ft2
(kg)
Global
Warming
Potential
per ft2 (kg
CO2 eq)
Acidification
Potential per
ft2 (moles of
H+ eq)
HH
Respiratory
Effects
Potential (kg
PM2.5 eq)
TOTAL
Eutrophication
Potential
(mg N eq)
Ozone
Depletion
Potential
per ft2 (mg
CFC-11 eq)
Smog
potential
per ft2 (g
NOx eq)
Avg. across all column and beam systems: 24.68 7.06 1.28 0.52 2.67 1404 0.00 3.72
METHOD 2 (Assumes LOAD-BEARING exterior wall)
25 Glulam column/
LVL beam 0 13.95 6.13 0.69 0.26 1.35 286 0.00 1.25
26 Glulam column/
WF beam 0 32.93 2.80 1.31 0.57 2.62 2433 0.00 3.43
27 HSS column/
Glulam beam 0 9.59 3.50 0.51 0.20 1.02 209 0.00 0.82
28 HSS column/LVL
beam 0 16.03 6.40 0.78 0.30 1.57 351 0.00 1.42
29 HSS column/WF
beam 0 35.02 3.06 1.41 0.61 2.84 2499 0.00 3.61
30 LVL column/
Glulam beam 0 7.65 3.30 0.42 0.16 0.82 146 0.00 0.67
31 LVL column/LVL
beam 0 14.09 6.20 0.69 0.26 1.36 289 0.00 1.27
Foundations and
Footings
Columns and Beams
Intermediate Floors
Exterior Walls
Windows
Interior Walls
Roof
The Athena EcoCalculator for Assemblies
There are a great number of building assembly options in every category as illustrated in the following slides.
ATHENA ECO-CALCULATOR for assemblies – Columns and Beams
Concrete columns and beams
Hollow structural steel columns
Glulam columns and beams
LVL columns and beams
Wide-flange steel columns and beams
Softwood columns
Pre-engineered systems – short and long span
19 combinations – load bearing; 19 combinations – non-load bearing
ATHENA ECO-CALCULATOR for assemblies – Exterior Walls
8” concrete block 12 options
6” cast-in-place concrete 12 options
8” concrete tilt-up 12 options
Insulated concrete form 6 options
2x4 steel stud wall 14 options
2x4 wood stud wall 12 options
3.5” structural insulated panel (SIP) 5 options
Curtainwall 2 options
Pre-engineered systems 1 option
ATHENA ECO-CALCULATOR for Assemblies – Intermediate Floors
28 options
Aluminum Vinyl-clad wood Vinyl Wood Curtain wall, viewable glazing
ATHENA ECO-CALCULATOR for Assemblies – Windows
ATHENA ECO-CALCULATOR for assemblies – Interior Walls
2x4 wood stud 16” o.c., 5/8” gypsum, latex paint
2x4 wood stud 24” o.c., 5/8” gypsum, latex paint
2x4 wood stud 24” o.c., 2x 5/8” gypsum, latex paint
1 5/8 x 3 5/8 steel stud, 16” o.c., 5/8” gypsum, latex paint
1 5/8 x 3 5/8 steel stud, 24” o.c., 5/8” gypsum, latex paint
1 5/8 x 3 5/8 steel stud, 16” o.c., 2x 5/8” gypsum, latex paint
6” concrete block, 5/8” gypsum, latex paint
6” concrete block, latex paint
Clay brick (4’), unpainted
ATHENA ECO-CALCULATOR for assemblies – Roofs
Precast hollow-core concrete 5 options
Precast double-T concrete 5 options
Suspended concrete slab 5 options
Open web steel joist 10 options
Glulam joist with plank decking 5 options
Wood I-joist with WSP decking 5 options
Solid wood joist with WSP decking 5 options
ATHENA ECO-CALCULATOR for assemblies – Roofs (continued)
Wood chord/steel web truss with WSP
decking
5 options
Wood truss (flat) with WSP decking 5 options
Wood truss (4:12 pitch) with WSP decking 4 options
Pre-engineered building system 1 option
The Athena EcoCalculator for Assemblies
Output measures are highlighted in the following slides. In the green portion of the table, the lower the value, the lower the environmental impact.
TOTAL IMPACTS
BY BUILDING
COMPONENT
Fossil Fuel
Consumption
(MJ)
TOTAL
Weighted
Resource
Use
(tonnes)
TOTAL
GWP
(tonnes
CO2 eq)
TOTAL
Acidification
Potential (mol
es of H+ eq)
TOTAL
HH
Respiratory
Effects
Potential (kg
PM2.5 eq)
TOTAL
Eutrophication
Potential
(g N eq)
TOTAL
Ozone
Depletion
Potential
(mg CFC-
11 eq)
TOTAL
Smog
Potential
(kg NOx
eq)
TOTAL
COLUMNS &
BEAMS
WHOLE BUILDING
TOTAL
B. COLUMNS & BEAMS (Other assembly tabs at bottom of spreadsheet)
IN THE YELLOW CELLS BELOW, ENTER THE AMOUNT OF SQUARE FOOTAGE THAT EACH ASSEMBLY IS USED IN YOUR BUILDING
ASSEMBLY TYPE
(Column/Beam)
Square
footage
% of
Total
Fossil Fuel
Consumpt. per
ft2 (MJ)
Weighted
Resource
use per ft2
(kg)
Global
Warming
Potential
per ft2 (kg
CO2 eq)
Acidification
Potential per
ft2 (moles of
H+ eq)
HH
Respiratory
Effects
Potential (kg
PM2.5 eq)
TOTAL
Eutrophication
Potential
(mg N eq)
Ozone
Depletion
Potential
per ft2 (mg
CFC-11 eq)
Smog
potential
per ft2 (g
NOx eq)
Avg. across all column and beam systems: 24.68 7.06 1.28 0.52 2.67 1404 0.00 3.72
METHOD 2 (Assumes LOAD-BEARING exterior wall)
25 Glulam column/
LVL beam 0 13.95 6.13 0.69 0.26 1.35 286 0.00 1.25
26 Glulam column/
WF beam 0 32.93 2.80 1.31 0.57 2.62 2433 0.00 3.43
27 HSS column/
Glulam beam 0 9.59 3.50 0.51 0.20 1.02 209 0.00 0.82
28 HSS column/LVL
beam 0 16.03 6.40 0.78 0.30 1.57 351 0.00 1.42
29 HSS column/WF
beam 0 35.02 3.06 1.41 0.61 2.84 2499 0.00 3.61
30 LVL column/
Glulam beam 0 7.65 3.30 0.42 0.16 0.82 146 0.00 0.67
31 LVL column/LVL
beam 0 14.09 6.20 0.69 0.26 1.36 289 0.00 1.27
Foundations and
Footings
Coumns and Beams
Intermediate Floors
Exterior Walls
Windows
Interior Walls
Roof
TOTAL IMPACTS
BY BUILDING
COMPONENT
Fossil Fuel
Consumption
(MJ)
TOTAL
Weighted
Resource
Use
(tonnes)
TOTAL
GWP
(tonnes
CO2 eq)
TOTAL
Acidification
Potential (mol
es of H+ eq)
TOTAL
HH
Respiratory
Effects
Potential (kg
PM2.5 eq)
TOTAL
Eutrophication
Potential
(g N eq)
TOTAL
Ozone
Depletion
Potential
(mg CFC-
11 eq)
TOTAL
Smog
Potential
(kg NOx
eq)
TOTAL
COLUMNS &
BEAMS
WHOLE BUILDING
TOTAL
B. COLUMNS & BEAMS (Other assembly tabs at bottom of spreadsheet)
IN THE YELLOW CELLS BELOW, ENTER THE AMOUNT OF SQUARE FOOTAGE THAT EACH ASSEMBLY IS USED IN YOUR BUILDING
ASSEMBLY TYPE
(Column/Beam)
Square
footage
% of
Total
Fossil Fuel
Consumpt. per
ft2 (MJ)
Weighted
Resource
use per ft2
(kg)
Global
Warming
Potential
per ft2 (kg
CO2 eq)
Acidification
Potential per
ft2 (moles of
H+ eq)
HH
Respiratory
Effects
Potential (kg
PM2.5 eq)
TOTAL
Eutrophication
Potential
(mg N eq)
Ozone
Depletion
Potential
per ft2 (mg
CFC-11 eq)
Smog
potential
per ft2 (g
NOx eq)
Avg. across all column and beam systems: 24.68 7.06 1.28 0.52 2.67 1404 0.00 3.72
METHOD 2 (Assumes LOAD-BEARING exterior wall)
25 Glulam column/
LVL beam 0 13.95 6.13 0.69 0.26 1.35 286 0.00 1.25
26 Glulam column/
WF beam 0 32.93 2.80 1.31 0.57 2.62 2433 0.00 3.43
27 HSS column/
Glulam beam 0 9.59 3.50 0.51 0.20 1.02 209 0.00 0.82
28 HSS column/LVL
beam 0 16.03 6.40 0.78 0.30 1.57 351 0.00 1.42
29 HSS column/WF
beam 0 35.02 3.06 1.41 0.61 2.84 2499 0.00 3.61
30 LVL column/
Glulam beam 0 7.65 3.30 0.42 0.16 0.82 146 0.00 0.67
31 LVL column/LVL
beam 0 14.09 6.20 0.69 0.26 1.36 289 0.00 1.27
Foundations and
Footings
Columns and Beams
Intermediate Floors
Exterior Walls
Windows
Interior Walls
Roof
TOTAL IMPACTS
BY BUILDING
COMPONENT
Fossil Fuel
Consumption
(MJ)
TOTAL
Weighted
Resource
Use
(tonnes)
TOTAL
GWP
(tonnes
CO2 eq)
TOTAL
Acidification
Potential (mol
es of H+ eq)
TOTAL
HH
Respiratory
Effects
Potential (kg
PM2.5 eq)
TOTAL
Eutrophication
Potential
(g N eq)
TOTAL
Ozone
Depletion
Potential
(mg CFC-
11 eq)
TOTAL
Smog
Potential
(kg NOx
eq)
TOTAL
COLUMNS &
BEAMS
WHOLE BUILDING
TOTAL
B. COLUMNS & BEAMS (Other assembly tabs at bottom of spreadsheet)
IN THE YELLOW CELLS BELOW, ENTER THE AMOUNT OF SQUARE FOOTAGE THAT EACH ASSEMBLY IS USED IN YOUR BUILDING
ASSEMBLY TYPE
(Column/Beam)
Square
footage
% of
Total
Fossil Fuel
Consumpt. per
ft2 (MJ)
Weighted
Resource
use per ft2
(kg)
Global
Warming
Potential
per ft2 (kg
CO2 eq)
Acidification
Potential per
ft2 (moles of
H+ eq)
HH
Respiratory
Effects
Potential (kg
PM2.5 eq)
TOTAL
Eutrophication
Potential
(mg N eq)
Ozone
Depletion
Potential
per ft2 (mg
CFC-11 eq)
Smog
potential
per ft2 (g
NOx eq)
Avg. across all column and beam systems: 24.68 7.06 1.28 0.52 2.67 1404 0.00 3.72
METHOD 2 (Assumes LOAD-BEARING exterior wall)
25 Glulam column/
LVL beam 0 13.95 6.13 0.69 0.26 1.35 286 0.00 1.25
26 Glulam column/
WF beam 0 32.93 2.80 1.31 0.57 2.62 2433 0.00 3.43
27 HSS column/
Glulam beam 0 9.59 3.50 0.51 0.20 1.02 209 0.00 0.82
28 HSS column/LVL
beam 0 16.03 6.40 0.78 0.30 1.57 351 0.00 1.42
29 HSS column/WF
beam 0 35.02 3.06 1.41 0.61 2.84 2499 0.00 3.61
30 LVL column/
Glulam beam 0 7.65 3.30 0.42 0.16 0.82 146 0.00 0.67
31 LVL column/LVL
beam 0 14.09 6.20 0.69 0.26 1.36 289 0.00 1.27
Foundations and
Footings
Columns and Beams
Intermediate Floors
Exterior Walls
Windows
Interior Walls
Roof
Spreadsheet based. Users fill in values using
only yellow column.
The Athena EcoCalculator for Assemblies
In the slides that follow, a warehouse building will be evaluated using the EcoCalculator. First, the building will be “built” of steel construction on concrete footings.
Next, the same structure will be built of concrete and of wood, with LCA results then compared.
As you proceed through the example, note that as the user fills in the yellow column, LCA results instantly appear in the boxes at the top of the screen.
Designing a simple structure using the Athena EcoCalculator for Commercial Assemblies
Two story
200’ x 100’ x 20’ ht
20,000 ft.2 footprint
total ft.2 = 40,000
TOTAL IMPACTS
BY BUILDING
COMPONENT
Fossil Fuel
Consumpt.
(MJ)
TOTAL
Weighted
Resource
Use
(tonnes)
TOTAL
GWP
(tonnes
CO2 eq)
TOTAL
Acidification
Potential (mol
es of H+ eq)
TOTAL
HH Respiratory
Effects Potential
(kg PM2.5 eq)
TOTAL
Eutrophicat
ion
Potential (g
N eq)
TOTAL
Ozone
Depletion
Potential
(mg CFC-11
eq)
TOTAL
Smog
Potential
(kg NOx
eq)
TOTAL
FOUNDATIONS &
FOOTINGS
WHOLE BUILDING
TOTAL
A. FOUNDATIONS & FOOTINGS (Other assembly tabs at bottom of spreadsheet)
IN THE YELLOW CELLS BELOW, ENTER THE AMOUNT OF SQUARE FOOTAGE THAT EACH ASSEMBLY IS USED IN YOUR BUILDING
ASSEMBLY TYPE
Square
footage
% of
Total
Fossil Fuel
Consumpt.
per ft2 (MJ)
Weighted
Resource
use per ft2
(kg)
GWP per
ft2 (kg
CO2 eq)
Acidification
Potential per
ft2 (moles of
H+ eq)
HH Respiratory
Effects Potential
(kg PM2.5 eq)
Eutrophicat
ion
Potential
(mg N eq)
Ozone
Depletion
Potential
per ft2 (mg
CFC-11 eq)
Smog
potential
per ft2 (g
NOx eq)
FOUNDATION WALL
1 Cast-n-place concrete XPS 0 63.72 51.51 6.70 2.69 15.31 2592 0.01 46.13
2 Cast-n-place concrete EPS 0 59.98 51.43 6.50 2.60 15.05 2550 0.01 42.36
3 Concrete block R-7.5 XPS 0 291.76 46.72 21.42 5.78 31.21 10095 0.02 73.19
4 Concrete block R-7.5 EPS 0 288.02 46.64 21.22 5.69 30.96 10053 0.02 69.41
TOTAL FOUNDATION WALL
SQUARE FOOTAGE
0
FOUNDATION SLAB
4” Poured Concrete Slab 0 0 22.65 25.40 2.95 1.16 7.01 850 0.00 16.90
TOTAL FOUNDATION SLAB
SQUARE FOOTAGE
0
FOOTING
Poured Concrete Footing 0 0 2223.39 2033.39 241.60 95.10 586.81 119128 0.38 1259.83
FOOTING TOT. VOL. (CUBIC
YARDS OF CONCRETE)
0
Foundations and
Footings
Columns and Beams Intermediate Floors Exterior Walls Windows Interior Walls Roof
TOTAL IMPACTS
BY BUILDING
COMPONENT
Fossil Fuel
Consumpt.
(MJ)
TOTAL
Weighted
Resource
Use
(tonnes)
TOTAL
GWP
(tonnes
CO2 eq)
TOTAL
Acidification
Potential (mol
es of H+ eq)
TOTAL
HH Respiratory
Effects Potential
(kg PM2.5 eq)
TOTAL
Eutrophicat
ion
Potential (g
N eq)
TOTAL
Ozone
Depletion
Potential
(mg CFC-11
eq)
TOTAL
Smog
Potential
(kg NOx
eq)
TOTAL
FOUNDATIONS &
FOOTINGS 532,998 581 68 26,524 161 21,288 109 383
WHOLE BUILDING
TOTAL 532,998 581 68 26,524 161 21,288 109 383
A. FOUNDATIONS & FOOTINGS (Other assembly tabs at bottom of spreadsheet)
IN THE YELLOW CELLS BELOW, ENTER THE AMOUNT OF SQUARE FOOTAGE THAT EACH ASSEMBLY IS USED IN YOUR BUILDING
ASSEMBLY TYPE
Square
footage
% of
Total
Fossil Fuel
Consumpt.
per ft2 (MJ)
Weighted
Resource
use per ft2
(kg)
GWP per
ft2 (kg
CO2 eq)
Acidification
Potential per
ft2 (moles of
H+ eq)
HH Respiratory
Effects Potential
(kg PM2.5 eq)
Eutrophicat
ion
Potential
(mg N eq)
Ozone
Depletion
Potential
per ft2 (mg
CFC-11 eq)
Smog
potential
per ft2 (g
NOx eq)
FOUNDATION WALL
1 Cast-n-place concrete XPS 0 63.72 51.51 6.70 2.69 15.31 2592 0.01 46.13
2 Cast-n-place concrete EPS 0 59.98 51.43 6.50 2.60 15.05 2550 0.01 42.36
3 Concrete block R-7.5 XPS 0 291.76 46.72 21.42 5.78 31.21 10095 0.02 73.19
4 Concrete block R-7.5 EPS 0 288.02 46.64 21.22 5.69 30.96 10053 0.02 69.41
TOTAL FOUNDATION WALL
SQUARE FOOTAGE
0
FOUNDATION SLAB
4” Poured Concrete Slab 20000 100% 22.65 25.40 2.95 1.16 7.01 850 0.00 16.90
TOTAL FOUNDATION SLAB
SQUARE FOOTAGE
0
FOOTING
Poured Concrete Footing 36 100% 2223.39 2033.39 241.60 95.10 586.81 119128 0.38 1259.83
FOOTING TOT. VOL. (CUBIC
YARDS OF CONCRETE)
36
Foundations and
Footings
Columns and Beams Intermediate Floors Exterior Walls Windows Interior Walls Roof
TOTAL IMPACTS
BY BUILDING
COMPONENT
Fossil Fuel
Consumption
(MJ)
TOTAL
Weighted
Resource
Use
(tonnes)
TOTAL
GWP
(tonnes
CO2 eq)
TOTAL
Acidification
Potential (mol
es of H+ eq)
TOTAL
HH
Respiratory
Effects
Potential (kg
PM2.5 eq)
TOTAL
Eutrophication
Potential
(g N eq)
TOTAL
Ozone
Depletion
Potential
(mg CFC-
11 eq)
TOTAL
Smog
Potential
(kg NOx
eq)
TOTAL
COLUMNS &
BEAMS 1,400,670 123 56 24,486 114 99,964 0 144
WHOLE BUILDING
TOTAL 1,933,668 704 124 51,011 275 121,252 110 528
B. COLUMNS & BEAMS (Other assembly tabs at bottom of spreadsheet)
IN THE YELLOW CELLS BELOW, ENTER THE AMOUNT OF SQUARE FOOTAGE THAT EACH ASSEMBLY IS USED IN YOUR BUILDING
ASSEMBLY TYPE
(Column/Beam)
Square
footage
% of
Total
Fossil Fuel
Consumpt. per
ft2 (MJ)
Weighted
Resource
use per ft2
(kg)
Global
Warming
Potential
per ft2 (kg
CO2 eq)
Acidification
Potential per
ft2 (moles of
H+ eq)
HH
Respiratory
Effects
Potential (kg
PM2.5 eq)
TOTAL
Eutrophication
Potential
(mg N eq)
Ozone
Depletion
Potential
per ft2 (mg
CFC-11 eq)
Smog
potential
per ft2 (g
NOx eq)
Avg. across all column and beam systems: 24.68 7.06 1.28 0.52 2.67 1404 0.00 3.72
METHOD 2 (Assumes LOAD-BEARING exterior wall)
25 Glulam column/
LVL beam 0 13.95 6.13 0.69 0.26 1.35 286 0.00 1.25
26 Glulam column/
WF beam 0 32.93 2.80 1.31 0.57 2.62 2433 0.00 3.43
27 HSS column/
Glulam beam 0 9.59 3.50 0.51 0.20 1.02 209 0.00 0.82
28 HSS column/LVL
beam 0 16.03 6.40 0.78 0.30 1.57 351 0.00 1.42
29 HSS column/WF
beam 40000
100% 35.02 3.06 1.41 0.61 2.84 2499 0.00 3.61
30 LVL column/
Glulam beam 0 7.65 3.30 0.42 0.16 0.82 146 0.00 0.67
31 LVL column/LVL
beam 0 14.09 6.20 0.69 0.26 1.36 289 0.00 1.27
Foundations and
Footings
Columns and Beams Intermediate Floors Exterior Walls Windows Interior Walls Roof
nnn
TOTAL IMPACTS BY
BUILDING
COMPONENT
Fossil Fuel
Consumpt.
(MJ)
TOTAL
Weighted
Resource
Use
(tonnes)
TOTAL
GWO
(tonnes
CO2 eq)
TOTAL
Acidification
Potential
(moles of H+
eq)
TOTAL
HH Respiratory
Effects
Potential (kg
PM2.5 eq)
TOTAL
Eutrophica
tion
Potential (g
N eq)
TOTAL
Ozone
Depletion
Potential
(mg CFC-
11 eq)
TOTAL
Smog
Potential
(kg NOx
eq)
TOTAL
INTERMEDIATE
FLOORS 1,428,947 590 101 35,813 266 51,300 71 336
WHOLE BUILDING
TOTAL 3,362,615 1,293 225 86,824 541 173,552 180 863
C. INTERMEDIATE FLOORS (Other assembly tabs at bottom of spreadsheet)
IN THE YELLOW CELLS BELOW, ENTER THE AMOUNT OF SQUARE FOOTAGE THAT EACH ASSEMBLY IS USED IN YOUR BUILDING
Floor structure
/Interior ceiling finish
Square
footage
% of
Total
Fossil Fuel
Consumpt.
per ft2 (MJ))
Weighted
Resource
use per ft2
(kg)
Global
Warming
Potential
per ft2 (kg
CO2 eq)
Acidification
Potential per
ft2 (moles of
H+ eq)
HH Respiratory
Effects
Potential (kg
PM2.5 eq)
Eutrophica
tion
Potential
(mg N eq)
Ozone
Depletion
Potential
per ft2 (mg
CFC-11 eq)
Smog
potential
per ft2 (g
NOx eq)
METHOD 2 (Assumes LOAD-BEARING exterior wall)
15 Glulam/* 0 27.20 13.16 1.41 0.60 6.28 480 0.00 6.25
16 Precast Hollowcore/* 0 51.10 39.79 5.18 2.65 16.61 2494 0.01 44.18
17 Wood I-Joist/* 0 26.24 9.26 1.19 0.53 6.03 520 0.00 5.23
18 Open-web Steel
Joist/* 0 56.40 7.83 3.07 1.03 8.19 1973 0.00 6.11
19 Open-web Steel Joist
w/ concrete topping/* 20000 100% 71.45 29.48 5.07 1.79 13.31 2565 0.00 16.78
20 Precast Double-T/* 0 41.39 29.29 4.21 1.72 13.33 1361 0.01 26.45
21 Precast Double-T w/
Concrete Topping/* 0 54.07 42.53 5.87 2.36 17.37 1885 0.01 35.06
22 Steel Joist/* 0 56.08 7.26 3.62 0.95 7.47 2172 0.00 5.97
23 Steel Joist w/
plywood decking/* 0 58.60 9.11 3.76 1.01 7.74 2265 0.00 6.85
* Gypsum board; latex paint
Foundations and
Footings
Columns and Beams Intermediate Floors Exterior Walls Windows Interior Walls Roof
TOTAL IMPACTS
BY BUILDING
COMPONENT
Fossil Fuel
Consumpt.
(MJ)
TOTAL
Weighted
Resource
Use
(tonnes)
TOTAL
GWO
(tonnes
CO2 eq)
TOTAL
Acidification
Potential
(moles of H+
eq)
TOTAL
HH Respiratory
Effects
Potential (kg
PM2.5 eq)
TOTAL
Eutrophica
tion
Potential
(g N eq)
TOTAL
Ozone
Depletion
Potential
(mg CFC-
11 eq)
TOTAL
Smog
Potential
(k
g NOx eq)
TOTAL
EXTERIOR WALLS 992,333 175 63 21,015 191 22,665 25 302
WHOLE BUILDING
TOTAL 4,354,948 1,468 288 107,839 732 195,217 206 1,165
D. EXTERIOR WALLS (Other assembly tabs at bottom of spreadsheet)
IN THE YELLOW CELLS BELOW, ENTER THE AMOUNT OF SQUARE FOOTAGE THAT EACH ASSEMBLY IS USED IN YOUR BUILDING
Assembly
Square
footage
% of
Total
Fossil Fuel
Consumpt.
r ft2 (MJ)
Weighted
Resource
use per ft2
(kg)
Global
Warming
Potential
per ft2 (kg
CO2 eq)
Acidification
Potential per
ft2 (moles of
H+ eq)
HH Respiratory
Effects
Potential (kg
PM2.5 eq)
Eutrophica
tion
Potential
(mg N eq)
Ozone
Depletion
Potential
per ft2 (mg
CFC-11 eq)
Smog
potential
per ft2 (g
NOx eq)
2 x 4 STEEL STUD WALL
44 Steel cladding (26 ga.)
R-3.8 rigid insulation
sheathing
2 x 4 steel stud 16” o.c.
R-13 Batt insulatiion + PET
membrane
Gypsum board+ latex
paint
O 182.41 18.67 12.95 5.50 34.38 6602 0.07 47.41
45 Stucco cladding (26 ga.)
R-3.8 rigid insulation
sheathing
2 x 4 steel stud 16” o.c.
R-13 Batt insulatiion + PET
membrane
Gypsum board+ latex
paint
12000 100% 82.69 14.57 5.22 1.75 15.93 1889 0.00 25.15
Foundations and
Footings
Columns and Beams Intermediate Floors Exterior Walls Windows Interior Walls Roof
TOTAL IMPACTS
BY BUILDING
COMPONENT
Fossil Fuel
Consumpt.
(MJ)
TOTAL
Weighted
Resource
Use
(tonnes)
TOTAL
GWO
(tonnes
CO2 eq)
TOTAL
Acidification
Potential
(moles of H+
eq)
TOTAL
HH Respiratory
Effects
Potential (kg
PM2.5 eq)
TOTAL
Eutrophica
tion
Potential (g
N eq)
TOTAL
Ozone
Depletion
Potential
(mg CFC-
11 eq)
TOTAL
Smog
Potential
(kg NOx
eq)
TOTAL
ROOFS 4,405,157 225 117 58,468 335 42,132 5 914
WHOLE BUILDING
TOTAL 8,760,105 1,693 405 166,307 1,067 237,349 211 2,079
G. ROOFS (Other assembly tabs at bottom of spreadsheet)
IN THE YELLOW CELLS BELOW, ENTER THE AMOUNT OF SQUARE FOOTAGE THAT EACH ASSEMBLY IS USED IN YOUR BUILDING
Assembly
Square
footage
% of
Total
Fossil Fuel
Consumpt.
r ft2 (MJ)
Weighted
Resource
use per ft2
(kg)
Global
Warming
Potential
per ft2 (kg
CO2 eq)
Acidification
Potential per
ft2 (moles of
H+ eq)
HH Respiratory
Effects
Potential (kg
PM2.5 eq)
Eutrophica
tion
Potential
(mg N eq)
Ozone
Depletion
Potential
per ft2 (mg
CFC-11 eq)
Smog
potential
per ft2 (g
NOx eq)
OPEN-WEB STEEL JOIST
17 PVC membrane
R-20 Rigid insulation +
PET membrane
Open-web steel joist w/
steel decking
Gypsum board+ latex
paint
0 262.03 12.74 10.69 7.12 24.63 2949 0.00 57.22
18 Modified bitumen
membrane
R-20 Rigid insulation +
PET membrane
Open-web steel joist w/
steel decking
Gypsum board+ latex
paint
20000 100% 220.26 11.23 5.84 2.92 16.74 2107 0.00 45.69
Foundations and
Footings`
Columns and Beams Intermediate Floors Exterior Walls Windows Interior Walls Roof
Version 3.6
Location: Vancouver
ASHRAE climate zone 5
Low-rise structures (Up to 4 stories)
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT SUMMARY – STEEL CONSTRUCTION
Assembly Total area Fossil Fuel
Consumpt.
(MJ)
TOTAL
Weighted
Resource
use
(tonnes)
TOTAL
GWP
(tonnes
CO2 eq)
TOTAL
Acidification
Potential
(moles of H+
eq)
TOTAL
HH
Respiratory
Effects
Potential (kg
PM2.5 eq)
TOTAL
Eutrophicati
on Potential
(g N eq)
TOTAL
Ozone
Depletion
Potential
(mg CFC-
11 eq)
TOTAL
Smog
potential
(g NOx
eq)
TOTAL
Foundations & Footings 20000 532,998 581 68 26,524 161 21,288 109 383
Columns and Beams 40000 1,400,670 123 56 24,486 114 99,964 0 144
Intermediate Floors 20000 1,428,947 590 101 35,813 266 51,300 71 336
Exterior Walls 12000 992,333 175 63 21,015 191 22,665 25 302
Windows 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Interior Walls 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Roof 20000 4,405,157 225 117 58,468 335 42,132 5 914
TOTALS 8,760,105 1,693 405 166,307 1,067 237,349 211 2,079
Columns high strength steel, beams wide flange steel; Intermediate floors open-web steel joists w/concrete topping;
Exterior walls 2x4 steel studs 16” o.c., R-3.8 rigid insulation sheathing, stucco cladding, R-13 Batt insulation + PET
membrane, gypsum board + latex paint; Roof open-web steel joists w/steel decking, R-20 rigid insulation + PET
membrane, modified bitumen membrane, gypsum board + latex paint.
No need to design using a single material.
TOTAL IMPACTS
BY BUILDING
COMPONENT
Fossil Fuel
Consumption
(MJ)
TOTAL
Weighted
Resource
Use
(tonnes)
TOTAL
GWP
(tonnes
CO2 eq)
TOTAL
Acidification
Potential (mol
es of H+ eq)
TOTAL
HH
Respiratory
Effects
Potential (kg
PM2.5 eq)
TOTAL
Eutrophication
Potential
(g N eq)
TOTAL
Ozone
Depletion
Potential
(mg CFC-
11 eq)
TOTAL
Smog
Potential
(kg NOx
eq)
TOTAL
COLUMNS &
BEAMS
WHOLE BUILDING
TOTAL
B. COLUMNS & BEAMS (Other assembly tabs at bottom of spreadsheet)
IN THE YELLOW CELLS BELOW, ENTER THE AMOUNT OF SQUARE FOOTAGE THAT EACH ASSEMBLY IS USED IN YOUR BUILDING
ASSEMBLY TYPE
(Column/Beam)
Square
footage
% of
Total
Fossil Fuel
Consumpt. per
ft2 (MJ)
Weighted
Resource
use per ft2
(kg)
Global
Warming
Potential
per ft2 (kg
CO2 eq)
Acidification
Potential per
ft2 (moles of
H+ eq)
HH
Respiratory
Effects
Potential (kg
PM2.5 eq)
TOTAL
Eutrophication
Potential
(mg N eq)
Ozone
Depletion
Potential
per ft2 (mg
CFC-11 eq)
Smog
potential
per ft2 (g
NOx eq)
Avg. across all column and beam systems: 24.68 7.06 1.28 0.52 2.67 1404 0.00 3.72
METHOD 2 (Assumes LOAD-BEARING exterior wall)
25 Glulam column/
LVL beam 0 13.95 6.13 0.69 0.26 1.35 286 0.00 1.25
26 Glulam column/
WF beam 0 32.93 2.80 1.31 0.57 2.62 2433 0.00 3.43
27 HSS column/
Glulam beam 0 9.59 3.50 0.51 0.20 1.02 209 0.00 0.82
28 HSS column/LVL
beam 0 16.03 6.40 0.78 0.30 1.57 351 0.00 1.42
29 HSS column/WF
beam 20,000
50% 35.02 3.06 1.41 0.61 2.84 2499 0.00 3.61
30 LVL column/
Glulam beam 0 7.65 3.30 0.42 0.16 0.82 146 0.00 0.67
31 LVL column/LVL
beam 20,000
50% 14.09 6.20 0.69 0.26 1.36 289 0.00 1.27
Foundations and
Footings
Columns and Beams Intermediate Floors Exterior Walls Windows Interior Walls Roof
Comparing EcoCalculator results.
Steel Design
Columns hollow structural section steel, beams wide flange steel; Intermediate
floors open-web steel joists w/concrete topping; Exterior walls 2x4 steel studs 16”
o.c., R-3.8 rigid insulation sheathing, stucco cladding, R-13 Batt insulation + PET
membrane, gypsum board + latex paint; Roof open-web steel joists w/steel
decking, R-20 rigid insulation + PET membrane, modified bitumen membrane,
gypsum board + latex paint.
Concrete Design
Concrete columns, concrete beams; Intermediate floors pre-cast double-T truss
with concrete topping; Exterior walls concrete block w continuous insulation and
polyethylene membrane, stucco cladding; Roof pre-cast double-T concrete, R-
20 continuous insulation + PET membrane, modified bitumen membrane, latex
paint.
Wood Design
Columns LVL, beams LVL; Intermediate floors wood I-joists with plywood
decking; Exterior walls 2x6 wood studs 16” o.c., R-19 cavity insulation + PET
membrane, wood structural panel sheathing, stucco cladding, gypsum board +
latex paint; Roof glulam joists w/ plank decking, R-20 continuous insulation +
PET membrane, modified bitumen membrane, gypsum board + latex paint.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT SUMMARY –WOOD CONSTRUCTION
Assembly Total area Fossil Fuel
Consumpt.
(MJ)
TOTAL
Weighted
Resource
use
(tonnes)
TOTAL
GWP
(tonnes
CO2 eq)
TOTAL
Acidification
Potential
(moles of H+
eq)
TOTAL
HH
Respiratory
Effects
Potential (kg
PM2.5 eq)
TOTAL
Eutrophicati
on Potential
(g N eq)
TOTAL
Ozone
Depletion
Potential
(mg CFC-
11 eq)
TOTAL
Smog
potential
(g NOx
eq)
TOTAL
Foundations & Footings 20000 532,998 581 68 26,524 161 21,288 109 383
Columns and Beams 40000 563,758 248 28 10,535 55 11,569 0 51
Intermediate Floors 20000 470,627 264 24 10,864 120 11,721 4 148
Exterior Walls 12000 718,674 225 44 17,331 198 12,630 26 193
Windows 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Interior Walls 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Roof 20000 3,954,455 333 89 52,331 308 20,874 5 925
TOTALS 6,240,512 1,651 251 117,585 842 78,082 144 1,701
WO
OD
VS
. C
ON
CR
ET
E
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT SUMMARY – CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION
Assembly Total area Fossil Fuel
Consumpt.
(MJ)
TOTAL
Weighted
Resource
use
(tonnes)
TOTAL
GWP
(tonnes
CO2 eq)
TOTAL
Acidification
Potential
(moles of H+
eq)
TOTAL
HH
Respiratory
Effects
Potential (kg
PM2.5 eq)
TOTAL
Eutrophicati
on Potential
(g N eq)
TOTAL
Ozone
Depletion
Potential
(mg CFC-
11 eq)
TOTAL
Smog
potential
(g NOx
eq)
TOTAL
Foundations & Footings 20000 532,998 581 68 26,524 161 21,288 109 383
Columns and Beams 40000 2,273,849 1,053 167 67,127 388 162,579 198 735
Intermediate Floors 20000 1,081,422 851 117 47,221 347 37,693 183 701
Exterior Walls 12000 3,758,182 662 280 76,860 436 113,229 223 1,051
Windows 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Interior Walls 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Roof 20000 4,099,144 599 129 66,871 404 32,761 117 1,166
TOTALS 11,745,595 3,746 761 284,604 1,737 367,551 832 4,037
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT SUMMARY –WOOD CONSTRUCTION
Assembly Total area Fossil Fuel
Consumpt.
(MJ)
TOTAL
Weighted
Resource
use
(tonnes)
TOTAL
GWP
(tonnes
CO2 eq)
TOTAL
Acidification
Potential
(moles of H+
eq)
TOTAL
HH
Respiratory
Effects
Potential (kg
PM2.5 eq)
TOTAL
Eutrophicati
on Potential
(g N eq)
TOTAL
Ozone
Depletion
Potential
(mg CFC-
11 eq)
TOTAL
Smog
potential
(g NOx
eq)
TOTAL
Foundations & Footings 20000 532,998 581 68 26,524 161 21,288 109 383
Columns and Beams 40000 563,758 248 28 10,535 55 11,569 0 51
Intermediate Floors 20000 470,627 264 24 10,864 120 11,721 4 148
Exterior Walls 12000 718,674 225 44 17,331 198 12,630 26 193
Windows 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Interior Walls 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Roof 20000 3,954,455 333 89 52,331 308 20,874 5 925
TOTALS 6,240,512 1,651 251 117,585 842 78,082 144 1,701
1.9X
WO
OD
VS
. C
ON
CR
ET
E
2.3X 3.0X 2.4X 2.1X 4.7X 2.4X 5.8X
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT SUMMARY –CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION
Assembly Total area Fossil Fuel
Consumpt.
(MJ)
TOTAL
Weighted
Resource
use
(tonnes)
TOTAL
GWP
(tonnes
CO2 eq)
TOTAL
Acidification
Potential
(moles of H+
eq)
TOTAL
HH
Respiratory
Effects
Potential (kg
PM2.5 eq)
TOTAL
Eutrophicati
on Potential
(g N eq)
TOTAL
Ozone
Depletion
Potential
(mg CFC-
11 eq)
TOTAL
Smog
potential
(g NOx
eq)
TOTAL
Foundations & Footings 20000 532,998 581 68 26,524 161 21,288 109 383
Columns and Beams 40000 2,273,849 1,053 167 67,127 388 162,579 198 735
Intermediate Floors 20000 1,081,422 851 117 47,221 347 37,693 183 701
Exterior Walls 12000 3,758,182 662 280 76,860 436 113,229 223 1,051
Windows 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Interior Walls 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Roof 20000 4,099,144 599 129 66,871 404 32,761 117 1,166
TOTALS 11,745,595 3,746 761 284,604 1,737 367,551 832 4,037
Wood vs Concrete Construction
This comparison shows the wood design to have lower impact in every category examined. The greatest differences are in ozone depletion, eutrophication, and global warming potential.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT SUMMARY – STEEL CONSTRUCTION
Assembly Total area Fossil Fuel
Consumpt.
(MJ)
TOTAL
Weighted
Resource
use
(tonnes)
TOTAL
GWP
(tonnes
CO2 eq)
TOTAL
Acidification
Potential
(moles of H+
eq)
TOTAL
HH
Respiratory
Effects
Potential (kg
PM2.5 eq)
TOTAL
Eutrophicati
on Potential
(g N eq)
TOTAL
Ozone
Depletion
Potential
(mg CFC-
11 eq)
TOTAL
Smog
potential
(g NOx
eq)
TOTAL
Foundations & Footings 20000 532,998 581 68 26,524 161 21,288 109 383
Columns and Beams 40000 1,400,670 123 56 24,486 114 99,964 0 144
Intermediate Floors 20000 1,428,947 590 101 35,813 266 51,300 71 336
Exterior Walls 12000 992,333 175 63 21,015 191 22,665 25 302
Windows 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Interior Walls 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Roof 20000 4,405,157 225 117 58,468 335 42,132 5 914
TOTALS 8,760,105 1,693 405 166,307 1,067 237,349 211 2,079
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT SUMMARY –WOOD CONSTRUCTION
Assembly Total area Fossil Fuel
Consumpt.
(MJ)
TOTAL
Weighted
Resource
use
(tonnes)
TOTAL
GWP
(tonnes
CO2 eq)
TOTAL
Acidification
Potential
(moles of H+
eq)
TOTAL
HH
Respiratory
Effects
Potential (kg
PM2.5 eq)
TOTAL
Eutrophicati
on Potential
(g N eq)
TOTAL
Ozone
Depletion
Potential
(mg CFC-
11 eq)
TOTAL
Smog
potential
(g NOx
eq)
TOTAL
Foundations & Footings 20000 532,998 581 68 26,524 161 21,288 109 383
Columns and Beams 40000 563,758 248 28 10,535 55 11,569 0 51
Intermediate Floors 20000 470,627 264 24 10,864 120 11,721 4 148
Exterior Walls 12000 718,674 225 44 17,331 198 12,630 26 193
Windows 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Interior Walls 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Roof 20000 3,954,455 333 89 52,331 308 20,874 5 925
TOTALS 6,240,512 1,651 251 117,585 842 78,082 144 1,701
WO
OD
VS
. S
TE
EL
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT SUMMARY – STEEL CONSTRUCTION
Assembly Total area Fossil Fuel
Consumpt.
(MJ)
TOTAL
Weighted
Resource
use
(tonnes)
TOTAL
GWP
(tonnes
CO2 eq)
TOTAL
Acidification
Potential
(moles of H+
eq)
TOTAL
HH
Respiratory
Effects
Potential (kg
PM2.5 eq)
TOTAL
Eutrophicati
on Potential
(g N eq)
TOTAL
Ozone
Depletion
Potential
(mg CFC-
11 eq)
TOTAL
Smog
potential
(g NOx
eq)
TOTAL
Foundations & Footings 20000 532,998 581 68 26,524 161 21,288 109 383
Columns and Beams 40000 1,400,670 123 56 24,486 114 99,964 0 144
Intermediate Floors 20000 1,428,947 590 101 35,813 266 51,300 71 336
Exterior Walls 12000 992,333 175 63 21,015 191 22,665 25 302
Windows 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Interior Walls 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Roof 20000 4,405,157 225 117 58,468 335 42,132 5 914
TOTALS 8,760,105 1,693 405 166,307 1,067 237,349 211 2,079
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT SUMMARY –WOOD CONSTRUCTION
Assembly Total area Fossil Fuel
Consumpt.
(MJ)
TOTAL
Weighted
Resource
use
(tonnes)
TOTAL
GWP
(tonnes
CO2 eq)
TOTAL
Acidification
Potential
(moles of H+
eq)
TOTAL
HH
Respiratory
Effects
Potential (kg
PM2.5 eq)
TOTAL
Eutrophicati
on Potential
(g N eq)
TOTAL
Ozone
Depletion
Potential
(mg CFC-
11 eq)
TOTAL
Smog
potential
(g NOx
eq)
TOTAL
Foundations & Footings 20000 532,998 581 68 26,524 161 21,288 109 383
Columns and Beams 40000 563,758 248 28 10,535 55 11,569 0 51
Intermediate Floors 20000 470,627 264 24 10,864 120 11,721 4 148
Exterior Walls 12000 718,674 225 44 17,331 198 12,630 26 193
Windows 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Interior Walls 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Roof 20000 3,954,455 333 89 52,331 308 20,874 5 925
TOTALS 6,240,512 1,651 251 117,585 842 78,082 144 1,701
WO
OD
VS
. S
TE
EL
1.5X 1.4X 1.02X 1.6X 1.4X 1.27X 3.0X 1.2X
Wood vs Steel Construction
This comparison again shows the wood design to have lower impact in every category examined, although differences are generally smaller than in the comparison with the concrete design. The greatest differences are in ozone depletion potential, weighted resource use, and smog and global warming potential.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT SUMMARY –CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION
Assembly Total area Fossil Fuel
Consumpt.
(MJ)
TOTAL
Weighted
Resource
use
(tonnes)
TOTAL
GWP
(tonnes
CO2 eq)
TOTAL
Acidification
Potential
(moles of H+
eq)
TOTAL
HH
Respiratory
Effects
Potential (kg
PM2.5 eq)
TOTAL
Eutrophicati
on Potential
(g N eq)
TOTAL
Ozone
Depletion
Potential
(mg CFC-
11 eq)
TOTAL
Smog
potential
(g NOx
eq)
TOTAL
Foundations & Footings 20000 532,998 581 68 26,524 161 21,288 109 383
Columns and Beams 40000 2,273,849 1,053 167 67,127 388 162,579 198 735
Intermediate Floors 20000 1,081,422 851 117 47,221 347 37,693 183 701
Exterior Walls 12000 3,758,182 662 280 76,860 436 113,229 223 1,051
Windows 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Interior Walls 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Roof 20000 4,099,144 599 129 66,871 404 32,761 117 1,166
TOTALS 11,745,595 3,746 761 284,604 1,737 367,551 832 4,037
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT SUMMARY – STEEL CONSTRUCTION
Assembly Total area Fossil Fuel
Consumpt.
(MJ)
TOTAL
Weighted
Resource
use
(tonnes)
TOTAL
GWP
(tonnes
CO2 eq)
TOTAL
Acidification
Potential
(moles of H+
eq)
TOTAL
HH
Respiratory
Effects
Potential (kg
PM2.5 eq)
TOTAL
Eutrophicati
on Potential
(g N eq)
TOTAL
Ozone
Depletion
Potential
(mg CFC-
11 eq)
TOTAL
Smog
potential
(g NOx
eq)
TOTAL
Foundations & Footings 20000 532,998 581 68 26,524 161 21,288 109 383
Columns and Beams 40000 1,400,670 123 56 24,486 114 99,964 0 144
Intermediate Floors 20000 1,428,947 590 101 35,813 266 51,300 71 336
Exterior Walls 12000 992,333 175 63 21,015 191 22,665 25 302
Windows 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Interior Walls 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Roof 20000 4,405,157 225 117 58,468 335 42,132 5 914
TOTALS 8,760,105 1,693 405 166,307 1,067 237,349 211 2,079
CO
NC
RE
TE
VS
. S
TE
EL
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT SUMMARY –CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION
Assembly Total area Fossil Fuel
Consumpt.
(MJ)
TOTAL
Weighted
Resource
use
(tonnes)
TOTAL
GWP
(tonnes
CO2 eq)
TOTAL
Acidification
Potential
(moles of H+
eq)
TOTAL
HH
Respiratory
Effects
Potential (kg
PM2.5 eq)
TOTAL
Eutrophicati
on Potential
(g N eq)
TOTAL
Ozone
Depletion
Potential
(mg CFC-
11 eq)
TOTAL
Smog
potential
(g NOx
eq)
TOTAL
Foundations & Footings 20000 532,998 581 68 26,524 161 21,288 109 383
Columns and Beams 40000 2,273,849 1,053 167 67,127 388 162,579 198 735
Intermediate Floors 20000 1,081,422 851 117 47,221 347 37,693 183 701
Exterior Walls 12000 3,758,182 662 280 76,860 436 113,229 223 1,051
Windows 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Interior Walls 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Roof 20000 4,099,144 599 129 66,871 404 32,761 117 1,166
TOTALS 11,745,595 3,746 761 284,604 1,737 367,551 832 4,037
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT SUMMARY – STEEL CONSTRUCTION
Assembly Total area Fossil Fuel
Consumpt.
(MJ)
TOTAL
Weighted
Resource
use
(tonnes)
TOTAL
GWP
(tonnes
CO2 eq)
TOTAL
Acidification
Potential
(moles of H+
eq)
TOTAL
HH
Respiratory
Effects
Potential (kg
PM2.5 eq)
TOTAL
Eutrophicati
on Potential
(g N eq)
TOTAL
Ozone
Depletion
Potential
(mg CFC-
11 eq)
TOTAL
Smog
potential
(g NOx
eq)
TOTAL
Foundations & Footings 20000 532,998 581 68 26,524 161 21,288 109 383
Columns and Beams 40000 1,400,670 123 56 24,486 114 99,964 0 144
Intermediate Floors 20000 1,428,947 590 101 35,813 266 51,300 71 336
Exterior Walls 12000 992,333 175 63 21,015 191 22,665 25 302
Windows 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Interior Walls 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Roof 20000 4,405,157 225 117 58,468 335 42,132 5 914
TOTALS 8,760,105 1,693 405 166,307 1,067 237,349 211 2,079
CO
NC
RE
TE
VS
. S
TE
EL
1.3X 2.2X 1.9X 1.7X 1.5X 3.9X 1.9X% 1.6X
Wood vs Steel Construction
This comparison shows the steel design to have lower impact in every category examined. The greatest differences are in ozone depletion potential, weighted resource use, and smog and global warming potential.
Using LCA in Building Design
Inform decisions based on LCA
Pre-rate building assemblies based on LCA.
Perform whole building LCA
Athena Impact Estimator
www.athenasmi.ca/tools/impactEstimator/ index.html
The Athena Impact Estimator
This LCA tool allows evaluation of specific structures and assemblies (i.e. the analysis is not based on generic assemblies). Effective use of this tool, which is intended for use by design teams, requires some training. There is a cost for obtaining the Impact Estimator – about $750 - $1,000.
Users can evaluate structures, determining environmental impacts of various configurations and building material choices.
Summary
Use of LCA is the only way to accurately assess
environmental attributes of materials.
User-friendly LCA tools are readily available, and low cost or free.
Informing materials selection, design choices using LCA is not difficult.
Summary
Questions?
Further information about Life Cycle Assessment and
other green building topics can be obtained from
Dovetail Partners, Inc.
www.dovetailinc.org