An LCA-based environmental impact assessment model for construction processes

A quantitative assessment of the environmental impact of construction activities can help decision-makers identify major environmental impact factors and make environmentally friendly construction plans in the early stages of construction. This paper presents an integrated life cycle environmental impact assessment model that is applicable to construction phase studies, where impact factors are examined according to two aspects of a typical construction process: construction equipment and ancillary materials. Environmental impacts are categorized into three safeguard subjects: ecosystems, natural resources and human health. A disability adjusted life year (DALY) model for assessing human health damage due to construction dust is developed. In addition, the environmental impact of earthwork construction is assessed as a case study to demonstrate the application of the proposed model. Results indicate that the proposed model can effectively quantify the environmental impacts of construction processes, and can potentially be used as a tool for contractors to select environmentally friendly construction plans. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.