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A Hybrid Life Cycle Assessment Model for Construction Processess

Bilec, Melissa M. (2007) A Hybrid Life Cycle Assessment Model for Construction Processess. Doctoral Dissertation, University of Pittsburgh. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

This research qualitatively and quantitatively examined the environmental impacts due to the construction phase of commercial buildings. Previous building research often overlooked the construction phase and focused on the material and use phases, discounting the significant environmental impacts due to construction. The research was conducted using life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology, which is a systematic environmental management tool that analyzes and assesses holistically the environmental impacts of a product or process. This research contributed to further developing LCA research by focusing efforts on hybrid LCA modeling. The context of this research was established through examining green building rating systems, policy review, and project delivery methods with respect to the modeled results. Documented life cycle inventory results focused on PM emissions, GWP, SOx, NOx, CO, Pb, non-methane VOCs, energy usage, and solid and liquid wastes. Results compared with the entire building life cycle indicated that construction, while not as significant as the use phase, is as important as the other life cycle stages. In terms of hybrid LCA modeling, the augmented process based LCA proved to be effective in modeling the construction phase and allowed for efficiently combining process and input-output inventories. Including input-output results, especially construction service sectors, is critical in construction LCA modeling. One case study's results demonstrated that services had the highest level of methane emissions and were a significant contributor to CO2 emissions. Recommendations are made in terms of green building rating systems and national policies, including placing higher significance on construction activities within the United States Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating system.


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Details

Item Type: University of Pittsburgh ETD
Status: Unpublished
Creators/Authors:
CreatorsEmailPitt UsernameORCID
Bilec, Melissa M.mbilec@engr.pitt.eduMBILEC
ETD Committee:
TitleMemberEmail AddressPitt UsernameORCID
Committee ChairRies, Robert J.robries@pitt.eduROBRIES
Committee MemberMatthews, H. Scotthsm@cmu.edu
Committee MemberOyler, Johnoyler@engr.pitt.eduOYLER1
Committee MemberNeedy, Kim LaScolakneedy@engr.pitt.eduKNEEDY
Committee MemberNeufeld, Ronaldneufeld@engr.pitt.eduNEUFELD
Date: 25 September 2007
Date Type: Completion
Defense Date: 14 May 2007
Approval Date: 25 September 2007
Submission Date: 10 June 2007
Access Restriction: No restriction; Release the ETD for access worldwide immediately.
Institution: University of Pittsburgh
Schools and Programs: Swanson School of Engineering > Civil and Environmental Engineering
Degree: PhD - Doctor of Philosophy
Thesis Type: Doctoral Dissertation
Refereed: Yes
Uncontrolled Keywords: construction; green design; hybrid; life cycle assessment
Other ID: http://etd.library.pitt.edu/ETD/available/etd-06102007-140343/, etd-06102007-140343
Date Deposited: 10 Nov 2011 19:46
Last Modified: 19 Dec 2016 14:36
URI: http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/8065

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