Abstract
Carbon reduction has become a global priority over the last 20 years. Different sectors are looking at ways to both reduce and, to a lesser extent, offset both their embodied and operational carbon. This paper outlines the process of selecting a best fit software to conduct life Cycle assessment (LCA) of whole buildings. Selection criteria were identified from three categories of data: the software performance regarding LCA, the alignment with the software selection to a project implemented by a Welsh small or medium sized enterprise (SME), and the utility of the software to non-experts in the LCA field. A total of seventeen applicable LCA software tools were identified through a systematic literature review, and investigation of the local market. Web based life cycle assessment tools (WBLCATs) catering exclusively to limited LCA stages (i.e., use stage) or exclusive to limited components of buildings were eliminated from consideration. Five LCA software tools were targeted for further analysis using a qualitative Likert-scale rubric along with a financial comparison using quotes provided by the software development representatives. The results of the study illustrated a prominent level of consistency in the technical qualities of the software. The highest variance was noted in categories relating to software applications concerning project specific attributes, specifically concerning useability by LCA non-experts and the software design aligning with building analysis. WBLCAT cost also served as a decisive factor in comparing the software options. OneClickLCA was identified as most congruent with the required project needs and aligned best with the financial scope of the project. Selecting OneClickLCA aligns with the literature findings, where the useability for non-LCA experts and the efficient integration of unique data are common strengths noted for the tool. The findings promote identified project outcomes, and available resources, as decisive factors in evaluating Best-fit WBLCAT. In the current UK market, there is no one best WBLCAT, but several WBLCATs that align best with different scenarios. This conclusion is congruent with existing literature where the selection of a WBLCAT for use in a study is determined through regional, resource, and LCA outcomes.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Decarbonization or Demise – Sustainable Solutions for Resilient Communities: Selected Papers from the International Conference of Sustainable Ecological Engineering Design for Society (SEEDS) 2023 |
| Publisher | Springer International Publishing |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 978-3-031-89195-3 |
| ISBN (Print) | 978-3-031-89194-6, 978-3-031-89197-7 |
| Publication status | Published - 31 Aug 2025 |
Keywords
- Carbon
- Sustainable design
- carbon footprint measurement
