Minergie, etc.) the LCA benchmarks are not performed on a common basis,
inducing the consideration of different repositories for each, making the comparison
of different LCA-based benchmarks impossible for the building sector. The
benchmarks used in these certifications are often established from the statistical
analysis of LCA data obtained from a reference buildings sample with specific
environmental performances [1, 2], or from a reference building modelled
according to national standards and prescriptions [3–5].
Considering the lack of a common framework for setting environmental sustainable targets for the construction sector, the present study aims at presenting a
new benchmarking approach, fixing LCA-based benchmark “code of practice” for
construction materials, building elements and whole-building. LCA benchmark
values can improve European and Italian Green Public Procurement (GPP) criteria
required for the construction sector, and it can also support stakeholders with
sustainable construction strategies and improvement of buildings environmental
performances. It could also support the GPP verification process made by public
administrations.
The study is divided into four sections. First, the use of LCA in the GPP for
buildings is examined, illustrating which EU Members have already included LCA
approach and consideration of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) in the
national GPP. Second, the benchmarking methodology and the environmental
benchmarks related to building materials are illustrated, as well as the proposed
EPD-based verification process for the contracting authorities. Finally, the approach
used to set LCA-based environmental benchmarks for building elements and
whole-buildings is explained.
2 LCA Data, EPDs and GPP in Europe
This section investigate the possibility to introduce LCA in GPP criteria for the
construction sector, through the analysis of GPP requirements from the EU
Commission. The EU Nations are encouraged to draw up National Action Plans
(NAPs) for reducing environmental impacts from public tenders managed by
contracting authorities and the associated procurements of goods, services and
works. GPP criteria for buildings are often developed in NAPs, including environmental design and planning strategies in the national political framework. GPP
is a voluntary instrument, aiming at stimulate the market demand for more sustainable goods and services. LCA-based criteria are required in the optional
EU-GPP for “Office Building Design, Construction and Management” [6],
including the environmental evaluation of impacts during all the stages of the
buildings life cycle (production of materials and elements, construction, use stage
and end of life), promoting the application of a cradle-to-grave LCA. In GPP
requirements for buildings, the promotion of energy efficiency and the use of
products with a specific percentage of recycled content material are also integrated.
There is only one LCA-based indicator required in GPP for new office buildings
504
S. Ganassali et al.
inducing the consideration of different repositories for each, making the comparison
of different LCA-based benchmarks impossible for the building sector. The
benchmarks used in these certifications are often established from the statistical
analysis of LCA data obtained from a reference buildings sample with specific
environmental performances [1, 2], or from a reference building modelled
according to national standards and prescriptions [3–5].
Considering the lack of a common framework for setting environmental sustainable targets for the construction sector, the present study aims at presenting a
new benchmarking approach, fixing LCA-based benchmark “code of practice” for
construction materials, building elements and whole-building. LCA benchmark
values can improve European and Italian Green Public Procurement (GPP) criteria
required for the construction sector, and it can also support stakeholders with
sustainable construction strategies and improvement of buildings environmental
performances. It could also support the GPP verification process made by public
administrations.
The study is divided into four sections. First, the use of LCA in the GPP for
buildings is examined, illustrating which EU Members have already included LCA
approach and consideration of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) in the
national GPP. Second, the benchmarking methodology and the environmental
benchmarks related to building materials are illustrated, as well as the proposed
EPD-based verification process for the contracting authorities. Finally, the approach
used to set LCA-based environmental benchmarks for building elements and
whole-buildings is explained.
2 LCA Data, EPDs and GPP in Europe
This section investigate the possibility to introduce LCA in GPP criteria for the
construction sector, through the analysis of GPP requirements from the EU
Commission. The EU Nations are encouraged to draw up National Action Plans
(NAPs) for reducing environmental impacts from public tenders managed by
contracting authorities and the associated procurements of goods, services and
works. GPP criteria for buildings are often developed in NAPs, including environmental design and planning strategies in the national political framework. GPP
is a voluntary instrument, aiming at stimulate the market demand for more sustainable goods and services. LCA-based criteria are required in the optional
EU-GPP for “Office Building Design, Construction and Management” [6],
including the environmental evaluation of impacts during all the stages of the
buildings life cycle (production of materials and elements, construction, use stage
and end of life), promoting the application of a cradle-to-grave LCA. In GPP
requirements for buildings, the promotion of energy efficiency and the use of
products with a specific percentage of recycled content material are also integrated.
There is only one LCA-based indicator required in GPP for new office buildings
504
S. Ganassali et al.