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Economic and Environmental Evaluation of a Single-Story Steel Building in Its Life Cycle: A Comprehensive Analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Silvia Vela

    (Business Integration Partners S.p.A., 20122 Milan, Italy)

  • Chiara Calderini

    (Department of Civil, Chemical, and Environmental Engineering, University of Genoa, 16145 Genoa, Italy)

  • Paolo Rosasco

    (Department Architecture and Design, University of Genoa, 16123 Genoa, Italy)

  • Carlo Strazza

    (Golder Associates S.r.l, Via Antonio Banfo 43, 10155 Torino, Italy)

Abstract

In this study, the possibility of applying the Life Cycle Thinking approach to structural design, considering all aspects and phases of the structure’s life, is investigated. The idea is to develop a procedure for the analysis of the economic and environmental impacts of structures in their life cycle, including not only ordinary costs along life cycle phases but also the extraordinary costs resulting from damage and anticipated end-of-life caused by unexpected natural hazards. The building performance under extraordinary conditions is calculated according to a time-based Loss Assessment Analysis. Such analysis provides the probable performance of a building and its components over a given period of time, considering all the hazardous events that can occur in that period, the probability of occurrence of each event, and the related effects. The outlined approach is applied to a case study of a single-story steel office building located in Italy. Two LC scenarios, having a duration of 2 years and 50 years, are considered. Results show that contributions of environmental impacts and benefits related to end-of-life management and economic losses for natural hazards are significant and not negligible. It is highlighted that the greatest challenge faced when using such a comprehensive approach is represented by data availability and representativeness that deeply limits the possibility of its implementation.

Suggested Citation

  • Silvia Vela & Chiara Calderini & Paolo Rosasco & Carlo Strazza, 2022. "Economic and Environmental Evaluation of a Single-Story Steel Building in Its Life Cycle: A Comprehensive Analysis," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(21), pages 1-22, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:21:p:14638-:d:965862
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Katia Perini & Fabio Magrassi & Andrea Giachetta & Luca Moreschi & Michela Gallo & Adriana Del Borghi, 2021. "Environmental Sustainability of Building Retrofit through Vertical Greening Systems: A Life-Cycle Approach," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-13, April.
    2. Adriana Del Borghi & Thomas Spiegelhalter & Luca Moreschi & Michela Gallo, 2021. "Carbon-Neutral-Campus Building: Design Versus Retrofitting of Two University Zero Energy Buildings in Europe and in the United States," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(16), pages 1-16, August.
    3. Turner, David A. & Williams, Ian D. & Kemp, Simon, 2015. "Greenhouse gas emission factors for recycling of source-segregated waste materials," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 105(PA), pages 186-197.
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