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Purpose <p>This paper presents a component-based methodology for integrated eco-efficiency assessment of buildings in early design phases, when intervention potential is highest but conventional LCA and LCC require unavailable detail. Unlike simplified LCA, which approximates detailed results from reduced inputs, it operates on early-phase information and integrates economic performance into a single eco-efficiency indicator. The research question is: how can environmental and economic performance be assessed at the component level with limited early-phase information?</p> Methods <p>The methodology integrates life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle costing (LCC) at the building component level (foundations, external walls, internal walls, floors, roof) within the ISO 14045 eco-efficiency framework. To accommodate limited information availability in early design phases, the approach employs simplified geometry determination based on building typology parameters and utilizes standardized component catalogs containing pre-calculated environmental and cost indicators. Assessment is performed for two system boundaries: modules A1–3, B4, B6, C3–C4 (without recycling potential) and the extended boundary including module D (with recycling potential), revealing sensitivity to end-of-life assumptions. A proof-of-concept application demonstrates the methodology using a hypothetical multi-family residential building with four construction variants: masonry, concrete, solid timber, and timber frame.</p> Results and discussion <p>The proof-of-concept application demonstrates the methodology’s capability to differentiate between construction alternatives, yielding eco-efficiency values ranging from − 24% to + 12% relative to the masonry reference variant. Results reveal substantial system boundary sensitivity: timber frame construction shifts from inferior eco-efficiency (system boundary A–C) to superior performance (system boundary A–D) when recycling potential is credited. Component-level analysis identifies external walls and floor slabs as primary contributors to both environmental impacts and cost variations, enabling targeted optimization strategies. The methodology successfully provides actionable decision support while requiring only basic geometric parameters and construction type selections typically available during conceptual design.</p> Conclusions <p>The proposed methodology addresses a recognized gap by enabling rigorous environmental-economic assessment during design phases when intervention potential is highest but data availability is most limited. The dual system boundary approach reveals how end-of-life assumptions can fundamentally alter comparative assessments, particularly for biogenic materials. This work establishes a foundation for systematic eco-efficiency optimization in building design, supporting informed decision-making that balances environmental and economic objectives.</p>

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A component-based methodology for integrated eco-efficiency assessment in early building design phases

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年8月5日

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  • Christoph Kunde

摘要

Purpose

This paper presents a component-based methodology for integrated eco-efficiency assessment of buildings in early design phases, when intervention potential is highest but conventional LCA and LCC require unavailable detail. Unlike simplified LCA, which approximates detailed results from reduced inputs, it operates on early-phase information and integrates economic performance into a single eco-efficiency indicator. The research question is: how can environmental and economic performance be assessed at the component level with limited early-phase information?

Methods

The methodology integrates life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle costing (LCC) at the building component level (foundations, external walls, internal walls, floors, roof) within the ISO 14045 eco-efficiency framework. To accommodate limited information availability in early design phases, the approach employs simplified geometry determination based on building typology parameters and utilizes standardized component catalogs containing pre-calculated environmental and cost indicators. Assessment is performed for two system boundaries: modules A1–3, B4, B6, C3–C4 (without recycling potential) and the extended boundary including module D (with recycling potential), revealing sensitivity to end-of-life assumptions. A proof-of-concept application demonstrates the methodology using a hypothetical multi-family residential building with four construction variants: masonry, concrete, solid timber, and timber frame.

Results and discussion

The proof-of-concept application demonstrates the methodology’s capability to differentiate between construction alternatives, yielding eco-efficiency values ranging from − 24% to + 12% relative to the masonry reference variant. Results reveal substantial system boundary sensitivity: timber frame construction shifts from inferior eco-efficiency (system boundary A–C) to superior performance (system boundary A–D) when recycling potential is credited. Component-level analysis identifies external walls and floor slabs as primary contributors to both environmental impacts and cost variations, enabling targeted optimization strategies. The methodology successfully provides actionable decision support while requiring only basic geometric parameters and construction type selections typically available during conceptual design.

Conclusions

The proposed methodology addresses a recognized gap by enabling rigorous environmental-economic assessment during design phases when intervention potential is highest but data availability is most limited. The dual system boundary approach reveals how end-of-life assumptions can fundamentally alter comparative assessments, particularly for biogenic materials. This work establishes a foundation for systematic eco-efficiency optimization in building design, supporting informed decision-making that balances environmental and economic objectives.