KEY CHALLENGES
Calculation methods and integration of LCA across phases
The variability in LCA methodologies typically in certification schemes and national regulations present significant challenges. This was discussed in the workshop for the Söderåsen project in Sweden, where it was also highlighted that local (municipal) schemes are emerging with different methodologies and limit values, complicating the standardisation of practices. Rosenspira in Sweden finds that certification schemes complicate the implementation of energy measures, which highlights the need for standardised procedures that credit actual benefits to the atmosphere. The integration of LCA across the different design phases was also highlighted as a significant challenge in the discussions on the BLVD.31 project in Denmark and the Loodusmaja project in Estonia.
The variability in LCA methodologies typically in certification schemes and national regulations present significant challenges. This was discussed in the workshop for the Söderåsen project in Sweden, where it was also highlighted that local (municipal) schemes are emerging with different methodologies and limit values, complicating the standardisation of practices. Rosenspira in Sweden finds that certification schemes complicate the implementation of energy measures, which highlights the need for standardised procedures that credit actual benefits to the atmosphere. The integration of LCA across the different design phases was also highlighted as a significant challenge in the discussions on the BLVD.31 project in Denmark and the Loodusmaja project in Estonia.
Material-related challenges
Material-related challenges are stressed in many of the clinics. In the two clinics in Finland, the risk associated with low-carbon materials especially with concerns around long-term performance was discussed. The visitor centre in Þjórsárdalur in Iceland struggles to source low-carbon materials that meet functional requirements. East Pier in Iceland faces difficulties in sourcing recycled aluminium with the necessary strength and finish. In the Concept for Group Home project in Sweden, it was discussed that effectively reusing materials involves establishing a systematic approach and clear communication about the practices and benefits.
Material-related challenges are stressed in many of the clinics. In the two clinics in Finland, the risk associated with low-carbon materials especially with concerns around long-term performance was discussed. The visitor centre in Þjórsárdalur in Iceland struggles to source low-carbon materials that meet functional requirements. East Pier in Iceland faces difficulties in sourcing recycled aluminium with the necessary strength and finish. In the Concept for Group Home project in Sweden, it was discussed that effectively reusing materials involves establishing a systematic approach and clear communication about the practices and benefits.
Location / geological preconditions
Location limitations and geological conditions, such as seismic activity and earthquakes, pose significant challenges. Projects must consider these factors when selecting materials and designing structures to ensure durability and safety. Geological conditions in Iceland, especially in earthquake-prone zones, limit material choices due to the need for structural strength. Weather conditions necessitate the use of tried-and-tested materials. For example, East Pier must meet BREEAM weather requirements and ensure material durability in harsh conditions, which can be influenced by the project’s geographical location. In the Rosenspira project, specific material requirements in detailed municipal development plans could limit the use of reused materials, or the choice of materials with low climate impact. Although it was not discussed in the clinic, changing climate in the future will also impact the choices of materials.
Location limitations and geological conditions, such as seismic activity and earthquakes, pose significant challenges. Projects must consider these factors when selecting materials and designing structures to ensure durability and safety. Geological conditions in Iceland, especially in earthquake-prone zones, limit material choices due to the need for structural strength. Weather conditions necessitate the use of tried-and-tested materials. For example, East Pier must meet BREEAM weather requirements and ensure material durability in harsh conditions, which can be influenced by the project’s geographical location. In the Rosenspira project, specific material requirements in detailed municipal development plans could limit the use of reused materials, or the choice of materials with low climate impact. Although it was not discussed in the clinic, changing climate in the future will also impact the choices of materials.
Time and cost constraints
Balancing sustainability goals with project constraints, such as time and cost, is a common challenge. One of the primary challenges is the cost associated with low-emission measures. The client in the Hopeakaivoksentie 47 project in Finland faces financial constraints, as it cannot pass on the additional costs of these measures to students through increased rents. In the visitor centre in Þjórsárdalur in Iceland, both the cost of sustainable materials and the sustainability certification process was found to impact the design of low-carbon buildings. The certification process is found to be time-consuming and requires extensive paperwork, which can be restrictive given the limited time available in projects. The costs associated with certification could be better allocated towards sourcing lower-carbon materials. In the case of Umeå municipality, the benefits of using BIM-models for material compilation when working with climate budgets during a project were discussed, but it is a challenge to find the time and staff resources needed to maintain such models.
Balancing sustainability goals with project constraints, such as time and cost, is a common challenge. One of the primary challenges is the cost associated with low-emission measures. The client in the Hopeakaivoksentie 47 project in Finland faces financial constraints, as it cannot pass on the additional costs of these measures to students through increased rents. In the visitor centre in Þjórsárdalur in Iceland, both the cost of sustainable materials and the sustainability certification process was found to impact the design of low-carbon buildings. The certification process is found to be time-consuming and requires extensive paperwork, which can be restrictive given the limited time available in projects. The costs associated with certification could be better allocated towards sourcing lower-carbon materials. In the case of Umeå municipality, the benefits of using BIM-models for material compilation when working with climate budgets during a project were discussed, but it is a challenge to find the time and staff resources needed to maintain such models.