Lifecycle assessment of construction materials: A review of environmental performance and future directions

Abstract

The increasing demand for sustainable and resource-efficient buildings has intensified the need for comprehensive environmental assessment tools in the construction sector. Construction materials play a crucial role in determining the environmental performance of buildings throughout their life cycle, influencing energy consumption, resource depletion, waste generation, and greenhouse gas emissions. As the construction industry seeks to reduce its environmental footprint and support sustainable development goals, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) has emerged as a widely accepted methodology for evaluating environmental impacts and supporting informed decision-making. This review paper examines the application of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to the evaluation of construction materials, with a particular focus on their environmental performance and recent developments in sustainable construction. The study reviews the life cycle impacts of commonly used materials, including concrete, steel, timber, aluminium, glass, and other structural and non-structural materials. The findings demonstrate that no construction material is environmentally superior in all situations and emphasize the importance of context-specific material selection based on comprehensive life cycle assessment. Integrating environmental, technical, and functional considerations through LCA can support more sustainable decision-making and contribute to the development of low-carbon, resource-efficient buildings and infrastructure.