BUILDING LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT OF A COLLECTIVE HOUSING BUILDING IN PORTUGAL CONSIDERING DIFFERENT STRUCTURAL MATERIALS

Abstract

In recent years, the focus on reducing the environmental impact of construction has shifted from operational carbon emissions to embodied carbon or materials due to the constant decarbonization of the energy sector. This paper compares the life-cycle assessment (LCA) of a collective housing building in Portugal, examining four structural solutions: composite steel and concrete, light steel framing, prefabricated reinforced concrete, and cross-laminated timber load-bearing walls. This study aims to aid construction professionals in making environmentally informed decisions by comparing design options composed of different materials and highlighting potential improvements in environmental performance.