A Review: Lifecycle Assessment of a Building by Using BIM

BIM is the most ruling software from last two decade in construction sector. Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a digital representation of overall building. BIM is a 3 D model process that help us to work efficiently. BIM also help us to reduce the impact on environment. Several research paper, conference paper, articles were analysed based on their research focus. This paper gives a review on, Lifecycle Assessment of a building (LCA) of a building using BIM is discussed. LCA is the method that helps us to known the impact of our building on environment. The finding of these studies will be useful for the engineer, architects and for every construction industry as it will helps us to minimize the impact of our building on environment. Keywords: Software and Environment, BIM, Lifecycle Assessment (LCA), Eco-friendly, Computer and Construction, Sustainability, Virtual Design and Construction with Eco-friendly Application.

Digitalization as a driver for supporting PV deployment and cost reduction

Digitalization is providing advantages to all sectors around the world and it can be of relevance also for the photovoltaic (PV) sector. As an example, the current value chain of the European PV sector is often characterized by analogue and fragmented processes that should be overcame to support greater PV deployment. The adoption of a more open and collaborative digital-based approach characterized by data-sharing among different stakeholders and more integrated information thread from the design till O&M can provide direct benefits in optimizing the PV process, increasing performances, and reducing of costs. Therefore, a novel PV Information Management (PIM) approach has been drawn within the European H2020 project “SuperPV”. In accordance with PIM objectives, a workflow for seamlessly transferring data along main PV work-stages has been developed, as well as new digital features to specifically address collaborative approach in the PV sector such as: (i) advanced functionalities introduced in the existing BIMSolar® software for improving the simultaneous design, performance simulation and cost assessment of medium and large PV systems, (ii) a proof-of-concept for aggregating all relevant information into a Digital Twin platform aimed at setting the ground for post-construction management and lifecycle assessment of the whole PV system.

Modelling and Environmental Assessment of a Stand-Alone Micro-Grid System in a Mountain Hut Using Renewables

Mountain huts are stand-alone micro-grid systems that are not connected to a power grid. However, they impact the environment by generating electricity and through day-to-day operations. The installed generator needs to be flexible to cover fluctuations in the energy demand. Replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy sources presents a challenge when it comes to balancing electricity generation and consumption. This paper presents an integration-and-optimization process for renewable energy sources in a mountain hut’s electricity generation system combined with a lifecycle assessment. A custom computational model was developed, validated with experimental data and integrated into a TRNSYS model. Five different electricity generation topologies were modelled to find the best configuration that matches the dynamics and meets the cumulative electricity demand. A lifecycle assessment methodology was used to evaluate the environmental impacts of all the topologies for one typical operating year. The carbon footprint could be reduced by 34% in the case of the actually implemented system upgrade, and by up to 47% in the case of 100% renewable electricity generation. An investment cost analysis shows that improving the battery charging strategy has a minor effect on the payback time, but it can significantly reduce the environmental impacts.

Lifecycle Assessment of a Non-Phase-Transition Drying Pyrolysis and Mass Conversion Technology

A lifecycle model was established to explore the efficiency, economy, and greenhouse gas emissions of a non-phase-transition drying pyrolysis and mass conversion technology, based on the principle of lifecycle assessment. The evaluation scope included straw collection and transportation, drying and crushing, biomass pyrolysis, charcoal processing, and waste heat utilization. The results show that the energy output/input ratio for non-phase-transition drying pyrolysis was 20.43, and the energy efficiency was high. The pure profit from treating wet straw was USD 45.32 per ton, the profit margin of sales was 52.11%, and the economic benefit was high. The equivalent emission of CO2 was 34.10 g·MJ−1, demonstrating high environmental benefits. Therefore, non-phase-transition drying pyrolysis and mass conversion technology is a potential biomass utilization technology with energy, economic, and ecological benefits.

Recent advancements in nonwoven bio-degradable facemasks to ameliorate the post-pandemic environmental impact

Plastics have become a severe risk to natural ecosystems and human health globally in the last two decades. The outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, which led to the manufacturing and use of billions of facemasks made from non-biodegradable and petroleum-derived polymers has aggravated the situation further. There is an urgent need to develop bio-degradable facemasks with excellent filtration efficiency and antimicrobial characteristics using scalable technology. This review article aims to provide the fundamentals of mask technology, its environmental footprint, facemask’s lifecycle assessment, conventional manufacturing routes, and state-of-the-art reports on using bio-degradable polymers for facemask applications. The article also focuses on the current challenges of the conventional facemask and the prospects of an ideal facemask that could significantly reduce the ill effects of petroleum-based polymers. The review includes concise information on the basics of polymer biodegradation and standardized tests to evaluate biodegradability. The use of currently available facemasks has been an effective measure to curb the infection rate, however, is a threat to the environment. Reusing the facemask after decontamination is not a solution from a safety perspective as cloth-based facemasks have lower filtration efficiencies which get further reduced with the washing cycle necessitating a shift towards biodegradable facemask. Systematic information is provided through this article to stimulate research on a bio-degradable facemask with excellent filtration efficiency, antimicrobial properties, and cost-effectiveness for global usage.

Lifecycle assessment of alkali activated cement concrete

Climate change is one of the most important environmental problems that our planet Earth is facing. This is due to the increased emission of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide. Concrete, the most consumed material in the construction industry is reported to be responsible for about 8% of worldwide carbon dioxide emissions. The manufacturing of ordinary Portland cement is both resource and energy-intensive and is accountable for 1.35 billion tons of carbon dioxide emitted annually. Hence potential alternative to Portland cement widely recognized is the adoption of alkali-activated cement. Alkali-activated cement commonly utilizes industrial by-products such as fly ash, GGBS, etc. along with alkali activators such as sodium silicate and sodium hydroxide. The literature review indicates that the environmental impact due to the usage of Portland cement can be reduced by the adoption of alkali-activated cement. However, the manufacture of alkali activators is likely to contribute to the emission to the environment. In addition, the heat curing commonly adopted during the production of concrete to activate the alkalis might also have a bearing. Hence a comparative study using the lifecycle assessment (LCA) method is carried out to assess the impact due to the production of alkali-activated cement concrete using supplementary cementitious materials (SCM) fly ash and GGBS with varying proportions of alkali activators (sodium silicate and sodium hydroxide). Data is extracted from the published literature corresponding to two different compressive strength ranges of OPC concrete and alkali-activated cement concretes that have utilized four varying proportions of alkali activator ratios. It is then analyzed by the ‘cradle to gate’ approach using LCA software SimaPro. The impact assessment is done using the ReCiPe 2016 method. A comparison of results and their interpretation is done based on its compressive strength ranges, the alkali activator ratios, and the effect due to change in the SCMs utilized.