Certain constructive solutions are often presented as "green" because they improve very specific environmental issues at certain stages of the life cycle of buildings (such as their production). However, when analyzed in a more integrated and complete way including other life cycle stages (such as use, maintenance or end of life) these solutions may lose their advantages over others. Similarly, low cost products can result into high maintenance or waste management related costs or high-tech products in excessive payback periods.  

All stages of the building’s life cycle (manufacturing, construction, use, end of life) are interrelated, so in order to identify the most appropriate and efficient technologies, solutions or products it is necessary to apply the lifecycle thinking. This approach...

Certain constructive solutions are often presented as "green" because they improve very specific environmental issues at certain stages of the life cycle of buildings (such as their production). However, when analyzed in a more integrated and complete way including other life cycle stages (such as use, maintenance or end of life) these solutions may lose their advantages over others. Similarly, low cost products can result into high maintenance or waste management related costs or high-tech products in excessive payback periods.  

All stages of the building’s life cycle (manufacturing, construction, use, end of life) are interrelated, so in order to identify the most appropriate and efficient technologies, solutions or products it is necessary to apply the lifecycle thinking. This approach implies that all the involved stakeholders understand and share the responsibility for reducing the environmental impact caused by products.  In the case of buildings, where utterly complex value chains and a great number and variety of stakeholders (product manufacturers to developers, architects, builders, users, etc.) are involved, the application of the lifecycle approach requires a great effort. Thus, this community aims at encouraging the application of the lifecycle thinking (and, in particular, the methodology of Life Cycle Analysis) to design and implement those solutions fostering an environmentally sustainable construction. For this purpose, topics such as methodological guides, tools, sample applications, training courses, discussion of results, etc. are tackled.