Life Cycle Assessment and Its Application in Building Sustainability

Focusing on the entire life span of buildings from raw material extraction to end-life demolition,the life cycle assessment(LCA)provides a tool for complete evaluation of building sustainability.Based on the origin concept and theoretical framework of LCA,this study introduces the methodology and characteristics of three LCA models,including process-based LCA model,input-output LCA model,and hybrid LCA model,and summarizes applications of LCA in building materials and components and building products with the review of status quo of studies.At last,directions for the development of LCA in building sustainability are put forward.Results of this study deepen the understanding of LCA theory,clarify the strength and weakness of LCA models in building sustainability evaluation,and hope to promote the development of LCA in China.