Which alternative analyses should the team run to check different impact measurements?

A project team compares a life-cycle assessment (LCA) model to a baseline design to determine the reductions in six impact categories. One impact category exceeds the baseline by 7%.

Which alternative analyses should the team run to check different impact measurements?
A . Change the orientation of the design case building
B . Optimize the slab depth of the design case building
C . Decrease the gross floor area of the baseline building
D . Increase the wall mass and types of windows in the baseline building

View Answer

Answer: B

Explanation:

This alternative analysis can help the team check the impact of reducing the amount of concrete used in the building, which can affect several impact categories, such as global warming potential (GWP), acidification, and eutrophication1. Concrete is a material with high embodied energy and carbon emissions, and reducing its use can lower the environmental impact of the building2. Optimizing the slab depth can also improve the thermal performance and daylighting of the building, which can reduce the operational energy use and demand3.

References: = LCA in LEED – Whole-building Life Cycle Assessment, Concrete and Embodied Carbon C Can we reduce carbon emissions and still use concrete?, Optimizing Slab Thickness for Energy Performance.