A holistic life cycle sustainability evaluation of a building project

Abstract

The current approach to life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA) is based on a triple-bottom line (TBL) framework, which has recognised limitations due to its predominantly quantitative and reductive summative approach. The increased understanding and importance of an integrative approach for incorporating qualitative sustainability considerations into life cycle choices for the built environment sectors have led this investigation towards a more holistic paradigm. The purpose of this paper is two-fold. Firstly, to introduce a conceptual method and application process for life cycle sustainability evaluation (LCSE) based on Integral Theory (IT). Secondly, to illustrate the application of LCSE with a case study as a potential advancement to the traditional Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment (LCSA) methodology. This work is centred around a sequence of methodological stages: (1) literature review, (2) action research with stakeholder groups, and (3) illustrative case study application. It was found that the key effectiveness of the LCSE approach lies in providing an expansive paradigm for sustainability evaluation and delivering a template for identifying missing perspectives or variables in a project. In particular, LCSE achieves increased integration of qualitative sustainability aspects in buildings and has potential to stimulate better long-term built environment outcomes in our cities and communities.