Global Certificate in Building LCA: Global Perspectives

• Introduction to Building LCA: Defining the terms and concepts related to Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in the context of building design and construction. This unit will cover the basics of LCA and its importance in sustainable building practices. • Goals and Scope: Understanding the goals and scope of LCA, including the functional unit, system boundaries, and data quality requirements. This unit will also cover the use of LCA in goal-setting and decision-making for building projects. • Inventory Analysis: Learning the methods and techniques for data collection and analysis in LCA, including the use of software tools and databases. This unit will cover the process of identifying and quantifying the environmental impacts of building materials and systems. • Impact Assessment: Understanding the principles and methods of impact assessment, including the use of characterization factors, normalization, and weighting. This unit will cover the various impact categories, such as climate change, resource depletion, and human health. • Interpretation and Communication: Learning how to interpret and communicate the results of LCA studies, including the use of visualization tools and reporting formats. This unit will also cover the challenges and limitations of LCA and the need for complementary approaches to sustainability assessment. • Case Studies: Examining real-world examples of building LCA, including the use of LCA in building certification programs and policy-making. This unit will also cover the role of LCA in the design and operation of high-performance buildings. • Standards and Frameworks: Understanding the relevant standards and frameworks for building LCA, including ISO 14040 and 14044, EN 15978, and the Living Building Challenge. This unit will also cover the ongoing developments in LCA methodology and practice. • Stakeholder Engagement: Learning how to engage with stakeholders in the LCA process, including building owners, designers, contractors, and policymakers. This unit will cover the importance of communication and collaboration in achieving sustainable building outcomes. • Future Directions: Exploring the future directions of building LCA, including the integration with other sustainability assessment tools and the potential for new methodologies and technologies. This unit will also cover the challenges and opportunities for building LCA in a global context