Thesis

Simplified Matlab calculation tool for LCA optimization of domestic buildings

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Awarding institution
  • University of Strathclyde
Date of award
  • 2023
Thesis identifier
  • T16603
Person Identifier (Local)
  • 201457814
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Department, School or Faculty
Abstract
  • Sustainability approach within the construction sectors is a very complex task. These sectors are responsible for between 20% and 40% of energy consumptions of developed countries. It is agreed as one of the most important sectors that should urgently change its way of production to reduce the environmental impact caused. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) has been used to study the environmental impacts of different products and systems since the early ´70s. When the evaluated product is a complete building, these assessments become a great source of information with which governments and councils are able to demonstrate their fight and effort to get better and more sustainable cities. Although there are several tools to study the energy efficiency and environmental impacts of buildings the most common ones are complex software. Several issues arise when performing simplified LCA, such as the great amount of data involved, different units, scenarios and assumptions that a building could offer resulting on a wide range of cases and combinations. Despite having access to this knowledge, a complete LCA does not become an easy task within the domestic sector where a all stages and several factors, such as economic and social, could be considered. Construction stakeholders must develop a deeper understanding of how buildings perform at every stage within their life span in terms of environmental impact and energy consumption. This is the only way to implement measures that improve their sustainability and the circular economy. , as we move closer to the agreed 2030 and 2050 goals. This research presents a possible solution with a simplified methodology for LCA optimization for domestic buildings using a user-friendly tool based on Matlab software, having accurate complete evaluations within minutes with insulation optimization options and comparison between different scenarios.
Advisor / supervisor
  • Grant, Peter
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DOI

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