5.1: Whole Building Life Cycle Assessment

(30 points)

GREEN GLOBES #5.1.1.1 - ANSI #10.1.1.1 When evaluating a minimum of two different building designs and using at least three impact indicators, what is the reduction demonstrated in environmental impact?

• ≥25% (30 points) 
• 24% (28 points) 
• 23% (26 points) 
• 22% (24 points) 
• 21% (22 points) 
• 20% (20 points) 
• 19% (18 points) 
• 18% (16 points) 
• 17% (14 points) 
• 16% (12 points) 
• 15% (10 points) 
• <15% (0 points)

Assessment Guidance

The project team evaluates a minimum of two different building designs using ASTM E2921-13 and the following assessment protocol to select the building with the lower environmental impact.

The life cycle assessment reports the following life cycle impact indicators: 

• Global warming potential (GWP)/climate change;
• Acidification potential; 
• Eutrophication potential; 
• Ozone depletion potential (ODP); and 
• Smog potential.

The proposed final design of the building with the lower anticipated environmental impact achieves the following performance targets compared to the reference design: 

• A minimum 5% reduction each, for at least three impact indicators, one of which is global warming potential; and 
• No other impact indicator exceeds the reference design by more than 5%. Percentage reduction is demonstrated by adding at least three impact indicators.

Operating energy consumption and MEP systems can be included. A registered design professional verifies structural material quantities, with the exception of existing buildings.

References

• Tally™ 
• SimaPro Sustainability Life Cycle Assessment Carbon Footprinting 
• GaBi Software Building LCA 
• The Athena Impact Estimator for Buildings (Version 4.2 or later)
• ASTM E2921-13 Standard Practice for Minimum Criteria for Comparing Whole Building Life Cycle Assessments for Use with Building Codes and Rating Systems

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