Seminar: Dynamic LCA for building elements

Modelling the role of time in carbon footprints for building elements - testing different methodologies
Speakers:
Professor Sarah McLaren, School of Agriculture & Environment, Massey University
Dr David Dowdell, Principal Scientist Sustainability, BRANZ
Dr Thomas Elliot, Postdoctoral Fellow, École de Technologie Supérieure, Montreal

Dynamic LCA potentially provides a more accurate way of accounting for carbon emissions and storage in building elements. It incorporates assessment of the role of time in accounting for carbon storage and emissions. It potentially provides a more policy-relevant and scientifically accurate method of carbon accounting than conventional methods that simply quantify all carbon emissions as being released at time “0” even if, in fact, the carbon is stored for many years prior to its release as carbon dioxide or methane.

This project applied the Dynamic LCA method to different materials used in NZ residential wall, floor and roof constructions, including consideration of the operational and end-of-life phases. The results are relevant to existing and futureinitiatives such as: the MBIE Building for Climate Change programme, EPD Australasia, BRANZ tools (such as CO2RE and LCAQuick), and other proprietary tools (e.g. EToolLCD, One Click LCA).

The project was funded by MBIE Building for Climate Change programme and BRANZ, and involved Massey University, BRANZ, Scion Research and École de Technologie Supérieure, Montréal.

Date: Friday 15 September 2023 / 11.00am – 12.00pm
Venue: QB8, Quadrangle Building B, Albany Campus, Massey University, Auckland 0632
Zoom: https://massey.zoom.us/j/7694641380?pwd=dkpQcSt2UFJGWDJUVVppVUxFUVh1UT09
Meeting ID: 7694641380 | Passcode: SBESeminar