A Framework for Sustainable Building Material Selection and Lifecycle Assessment

Thesis Abstract

The increasing global emphasis on sustainable development in the construction sector necessitates the development of comprehensive frameworks that facilitate the selection of environmentally sustainable building materials integrated with rigorous lifecycle assessment (LCA) methodologies. This study addresses the persistent challenges faced by architects, engineers, and policy-makers in identifying materials that optimize environmental, economic, and social benefits throughout their lifecycle stages. The primary aim is to develop a robust, context-sensitive framework for sustainable building material selection that incorporates lifecycle assessment principles to support decision-making processes aimed at reducing ecological footprints and enhancing building sustainability. The specific objectives include (1) to critically review existing models and frameworks for sustainable building materials and lifecycle assessment; (2) to identify key criteria and indicators imperative for evaluating material sustainability within diverse construction contexts; (3) to develop a conceptual framework integrating multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) with lifecycle assessment tools; and (4) to validate the proposed framework through empirical application in a case study involving residential building projects in urban environments. The research adopts a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative exploration through thematic analysis of expert interviews (sample size of 20 sustainability practitioners and material suppliers) and quantitative validation via a survey of 150 construction professionals across metropolitan regions. The case study encompasses data collection from existing building projects with comprehensive material records, life cycle inventories, and environmental impact data. Data collection instruments include semi-structured interview guides, structured questionnaires, and a review of project documentation, complemented by secondary data from environmental product declarations (EPDs) and lifecycle databases such as Ecoinvent. The validity and reliability of data collection instruments are ensured through pilot testing, expert validation, and triangulation methods, reinforcing the robustness of findings. For data analysis, qualitative thematic analysis is employed to interpret interview transcripts, applying NVivo software to identify key themes concerning sustainability criteria. Quantitative data are subjected to descriptive statistics and inferential analysis, including multiple regression and principal component analysis (PCA), to explore relationships between selected criteria and sustainability outcomes. The conceptual framework development involves integrating findings using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) within an MCDA model, supported by lifecycle assessment data processed through SimaPro analytical software. Expected findings are anticipated to reveal critical sustainability factors influencing material selection, measurable through lifecycle impacts such as embodied energy, carbon footprint, recyclability, and social acceptance. The study is expected to produce a validated, user-friendly framework that enables practitioners to balance environmental impacts with economic and social considerations comprehensively. It will demonstrate how integrating lifecycle assessment with decision analysis enhances material evaluation accuracy and promotes sustainable construction practices. This research contribution advances existing knowledge by bridging gaps between lifecycle assessment methodologies and practical decision-making frameworks within building design processes. It offers a transferable model adaptable to various geographic and climatic contexts, complementing current sustainability assessment standards like LEED and BREEAM with a nuanced focus on material-specific lifecycle impacts. The study concludes that adopting this framework can significantly improve sustainable material choices, leading to reduced environmental footprints in construction projects while aligning with broader sustainability goals. Based on the findings, recommendations include integrating the framework into existing building certification systems, promoting capacity building among construction professionals on lifecycle analysis tools, and encouraging policy reforms to incentivize sustainable material use. Future research avenues suggested involve extending the framework to encompass emerging materials such as bio-based composites and nanomaterials, and exploring its application in large-scale infrastructure projects for broader impact. Overall, this study provides a strategic, evidence-based toolset for advancing sustainable building practices through informed material selection rooted in comprehensive lifecycle assessment.