A review of comprehensiveness, user-friendliness, and contribution for sustainable design of whole building environmental life cycle assessment software tools

Abstract

Whole building environmental life cycle impact assessment enables to both construct and operate buildings with least impacts while optimizing resource efficiency and conservation. This study aims to, (1) develop a detailed criteria based on selected thematic areas and associated focus areas, to evaluate the key attributes of whole building environmental life cycle assessment software tools (WBELCA-STs), (2) analyze the distinctive abilities and areas for improvement of the selected software tools (STs) with respect to the key attributes, (3) categorize the selected STs according to their individual performances to facilitate ST selection, to match the user requirements. WBELCA-STs currently used were identified by reviewing published scientific literature (2001–2021). Nine STs were shortlisted based on the number of results returned during the literature search. A comprehensive evaluation criterion based on five themes was developed and shortlisted nine STs were evaluated against the key attributes. This study adds to the existing knowledge on whole building environmental life cycle assessment by identifying the key areas that strengthen the comprehensiveness and user-friendliness of WBELCA-STs, while promoting sustainable design in all life cycle stages. Further the strengths and areas for improvement of the STs were identified to categorize them. Priorities needed to be considered in selecting a suitable ST for building assessment projects were revealed. There is a need in developing, maintaining and updating more databases and STs to popularize building environmental sustainability assessments in many regions of the world, including Asia.