Buildings account for over a third of global greenhouse gas emissions. Yet, most LCAs in the construction sector focus on individual materials rather than entire buildings. To address this gap, we conducted a case study that presents a replicable model for whole-building LCA using openLCA.
The study models a residential building in Germany over a 50-year life span, from material sourcing to demolition and post-life benefits. It integrates EN 15804+A2-compliant EPDs (imported directly into openLCA), modular structuring based on EN 15804+A2 stages, and parameterization to create a flexible, reusable LCA template.
Key features include:
- Static and dynamic modelling: Users can analyze total life cycle impacts or year-by-year changes, especially useful for the long use phase.
- Parameterization: All values (materials, transport, energy, water) are defined as editable parameters for easy customization.
- Temporal logic: Modules are activated per year, supporting temporal assessments using openLCA’s Parameter Analysis.
- Dynamic Biogenic CO₂: For GWP-biogenic an experimental discounting factor for characterization factors were implemented for the contributing flows.
This model is ideal for practitioners wanting to scale from product-level EPDs to whole-building assessments. The openLCA model and full report are available for download, making it easy to adapt the structure for your own building case.
Explore the report and the model: Case Studies | openLCA.org.