BIM-based LCA: workflow applied to a raw earth version of the bioclimatic greenhouse of Trompone

The United Nations (UN)’ aims to create synergy between all member countries to counter climate change, poverty, health and education. This initiative, part of a UN resolution called “the 2030 Agenda”, is intended to be achieved by 2030. The Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) sector is the main sector in the world’ efforts towards to increase sustainability. For this reason, the life cycle thinking is becoming more widespread. The introduction of LCA analysis in building sector and the BIM technologies seems to be a key solution to tackle these problems. The goal of this research is to develop a workflow to integrate the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in the BIM environment and to create a tool able to monitor the environmental impacts of an architectural project, intercepting decision-making. To do this, we will study the model requirements to develop a BIM-based LCA workflow and, at the same time, to understand if the AEC industry is ready to welcome BIM-based LCA methodologies. The case study we will carry out the analysis is the bioclimatic greenhouse of Trompone, in which we will create a raw earth version of the project. My passion for raw earth is the reason that led me to develop this thesis, so much that today I am working with a Swiss start-up actively involved in the production of raw earth elements as bricks and panels, Terrabloc. Therefore, they also have contributed to the development of my thesis, sharing with me the LCA data of their products and experience in the AEC sector. Through the creation of the tool and the test carried out on the case study, we managed to develop a workflow to analyse the environmental impacts of a project from the early stages. In this way, we managed to create understandable results for all stakeholders, including those with little technical knowledge, thus helping professionals to make decisions taking into account environmental impacts. In conclusion, this work aims to take one step further the complete integration of the LCA into the BIM environment, to intercept decision-making phases and improve sustainability.