A Guide to LCA and LCC Consultancy for BREEAM. Achieve Excellence in Sustainability

This guide explores the role of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Costing (LCC) within the BREEAM framework, one of the leading global sustainability assessment systems.

From understanding how LCA consultancy can enhance the sustainability of your project, to navigating the complexities of BREEAM's requirements and the tools that make compliance achievable, we cover the essentials. We also compare LCA consultancy with other sustainability services, discuss common challenges, and explain how whole life carbon consultancy can contribute to LEED certification.

How Can LCA Consultancy for BREEAM Improve the Sustainability of a Project?

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) consultancy plays a pivotal role in enhancing the sustainability of a project by evaluating the environmental impacts associated with all the stages of a project's life cycle. LCA consultants provide insights that help in making informed decisions that lead to sustainability improvements:

• Material Selection: Consultants assist in choosing sustainable materials that have a lower environmental impact over their lifecycle.
• Energy Efficiency: They analyse energy usage patterns and suggest measures to improve the energy efficiency of the building.
• Waste Reduction: By assessing waste generation, consultants can recommend strategies to reduce, reuse, and recycle materials.
• Carbon Footprint: They calculate the carbon footprint of the project and suggest ways to reduce it.

By integrating LCA consultancy into BREEAM, projects can achieve higher BREEAM ratings, which not only signifies a building's environmental performance but also can increase its value and attractiveness to buyers or tenants.

Strategies to Reduce Embodied Carbon in Building Materials

Embodied carbon in building materials refers to the carbon dioxide emitted during the manufacture, transport, and construction of building materials, together with end-of-life emissions. Reducing embodied carbon can be achieved through:

1. Material Efficiency: Optimising the use of materials in the design and construction process. This includes strategies such as modular construction, lean construction, and design for deconstruction.
2. Material Substitution: Replacing high-embodied carbon materials with lower carbon alternatives. For example, using timber instead of concrete or steel can significantly reduce embodied carbon.
3. Carbon Sequestration: Some materials like timber and hemp can absorb and store carbon from the atmosphere.
4. Recycled and Reused Materials: Using recycled or reused materials avoids the emissions associated with the production of new materials.
5. Low Carbon Cement and Concrete: Using low-carbon alternatives such as fly ash or slag cement can significantly reduce the embodied carbon of these materials.

What Software Tools Do LCA Consultants for BREEAM Typically Use?

LCA consultants for BREEAM utilise a variety of software tools to perform detailed environmental impact assessments:

• SimaPro: A versatile LCA software that allows for comprehensive analysis and reporting.
• GaBi: Provides detailed environmental impact data and supports complex modelling.
• eToolLCD: Specialised for building and construction, it integrates with BREEAM assessment methods.
• One Click LCA: Known for its user-friendly interface and integration with BREEAM requirements.

These tools are selected based on their ability to model complex life cycles, their database quality, and their alignment with BREEAM's methodology.

What Are the Requirements of BREEAM LCA Mat01?

The BREEAM LCA Mat01 credits relate to the life cycle impacts of construction materials. The requirements include:

• Life Cycle Stages: Assessing the environmental impact of materials across specified life cycle stages.
• Environmental Impact Reduction: Demonstrating a reduction in environmental impact through material choices and design.
• Third-party Verification: Ensuring the LCA is verified by a third party to confirm accuracy and reliability.
• Reporting: Providing detailed reporting on the LCA findings and the strategies implemented to reduce impacts.

Meeting these requirements can contribute to achieving up to 10 credits under the Mat01 category:

• 2-4 credits: BREEAM-compliant Stage 2 Superstructure analysis including 4 alternative design options (including baseline).
• 1 credit: BREEAM-compliant Stage 2 Substructure and Landscaping analysis including minimum 6 alternative design options (including baseline).
• 1 credit: BREEAM-compliant Stage 2 Services analysis including minimum 2 alternative design options (including baseline).
• 1-2 credits: Minimum 4 alternative Stage 4 superstructure design options (including baseline).
• 1 credit: BREEAM-compliant third-party verification documentation.
• 0-2 credits (Office, Industrial, Retail only): Reported performance against Ecopoints benchmark within Mat01 Results Submission tool.

What is LCC?

LCC, or Life Cycle Costing, is a method used to assess the total cost of ownership of a building or system over its anticipated life. It includes:

• Initial Costs: Costs associated with the acquisition, design, and construction of a project.
• Operating Costs: Costs incurred during the operation and maintenance of the building.
• End-of-Life Costs: Costs related to the disposal, demolition, or recycling of building materials.

By considering all costs over the life of the building, LCC helps to identify opportunities for cost savings and to make choices that lead to more sustainable and economically viable buildings.

How Does Whole Life Carbon Consultancy Contribute to LEED Certification?

Whole life carbon consultancy contributes significantly to achieving LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification by:

• Assessing Carbon Footprint: Providing a comprehensive analysis of the carbon emissions associated with the entire lifecycle of a building.
• Identifying Reduction Strategies: Helping to identify strategies to reduce carbon emissions during construction, operation, and demolition.
• Material Selection: Advising on the selection of materials with lower carbon footprints.
• Energy Efficiency: Recommending energy-efficient designs and systems that contribute to lower operational emissions.
• Innovation Credits: LEED certification also offers innovation credits for strategies that go beyond the standard requirements.

Common Challenges with LCA Consultancy for BREEAM

Clients engaging with LCA consultancy for BREEAM may encounter several challenges:

• Data Availability: Gathering accurate data for all lifecycle stages can be difficult, especially for complex projects.
• Technical Complexity: Understanding the technical aspects of LCA can be daunting for clients without a background in sustainability.
• Cost Implications: Balancing the financial aspects of implementing sustainable practices against the perceived benefits.
• Time Constraints: Integrating LCA into the project timeline without causing delays can be challenging.

These challenges require a consultancy that is not only technically proficient but also adept at communication and project management. At LCD Consulting, we specialise in making the process straightforward and efficient.

How Much Does LCA Consultancy for BREEAM Typically Cost?

The cost of LCA consultancy for BREEAM can vary from £1,500 for small simple assessments to £5,000 or more for large complex projects. Factors include project size, complexity, location, and consultancy expertise.

Contact us for a detailed quote based on your specific project requirements.