The ups and downs of life cycle thinking – Part Two

Justin Furness – CAB Technical Director

Previously on the CAB Channel…I outlined how aluminium is making a significant contribution to sustainable cities, and in particular I highlighted the compelling case study evidence presented in the International Aluminium Institute (IAI) funded “Towards Sustainable Cities” series of publications.

The third report in the series, “Aluminium and Life Cycle Thinking”, was published in 2015 and it focuses on the use of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) techniques to quantify a product’s environmental impact during its lifetime, from its manufacture and use through to its deconstruction, reuse and recycling at the end of life.

While LCA offers a rigorous, quantitative means to assess the environmental impact of a product and as a technique it has been in use for over twenty years, its application in the building sector is relatively immature. Complex assemblies such as curtain walling, windows and doors are only just beginning to be understood and modelled using LCA practices. LCA is itself a complex science, with its own terminology, complex datasets and methodological snares. However, it is becoming increasingly important, with Environmental Product Declarations and building sustainability assessment schemes such as BREEAM turning to LCA as their basis.

Inevitably, the comparability question arises: “OK, so can I use LCA data to compare products?” It is here that the report authors refer to the use of “nuanced” LCA, described as a design tool that can allow for a particular comparison of different material assemblies that serve the same function in the building, while respecting each option’s unique material attributes and design logic. So the answer to the question is: “It depends…” Or at least, a red flag is raised that product comparisons must be handled with care, with attention drawn to the end of life stage. Read More

I hope you enjoy this month's issue.

Tony Higgin
Publisher

CAB Members’ Meeting to focus on Market Forecasts

Justin Ratcliffe, (CAB Chief Executive)

CAB is delighted to confirm that Professor Noble Francis, Economics Director, Construction Products Association will speak at the next Members’ event
at Mercedes Benz World, Weybridge on 12 |October, on the UK Construction industry following Brexit.

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This Month's News

‘Govt must free LAs to build more homes’ – Lords

The Government has been told it must empower local authorities to build more homes to help lift the UK’s house building target to 300,000 a year.

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GGF announces governance restructure

The GGF this week issued the following statement regarding a planned restructuring of the Federation and its subsidiary companies:

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Are you ready for G16

It’s that time again – when the best of the best in our industry are preparing to prove it and take on their rivals head to head in the G16 Awards. But don’t worry if you haven’t quite finished your nomination or submission, the organisers have extended the deadline by another week to Friday, August 5th.

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Housing helps boost strong June construction

After an eventful final week of June with a series of shocks sent through the economy, the construction sector managed to hold strong, with new orders reaching £6.2 billion on the month, the highest figure of any month so far in 2016, according to industry analyst Barbour ABI. The organisation notes however that most of the month was pre-referendum and housebuilder stocks have fallen in the wake of the vote.

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