2020-06-02
FOJAB & IVL develop tools for a climate-smart construction industry
Together with IVL Swedish Environmental Institute, FOJAB has been awarded funding from the Swedish Energy Agency for the project LCA-driven design of buildings. The aim of the project is to develop a method for visualizing the building's climate footprint at an early stage of design. In this way, buildings can be designed with regard to their climate footprint from a life cycle perspective.
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) at an early design stage has the potential to significantly reduce the climate impact of buildings by understanding the overall design from a climate perspective. By integrating digital design tools with calculation tools, a holistic optimization of the building's design is made possible at an early decision-making stage, where the major measures can be taken.
The project aims to develop an industry-wide method and process to be able to work actively with life cycle analysis in early stages, based on the link between digital design tools and the Construction Sector's Environmental Calculation Tool (BM). The method will support an informed process with good decision support for clients, architects, designers, developers and contractors.
- It feels great to have the opportunity to start this project together with IVL. Now we can understand how the design decisions affect the climate footprint from the first sketch. At FOJAB, we have already developed a strong analysis package that informs about the performance of what we draw in real time. We see this as a natural continuation and deepening of that work. With the help of smart digital tools, architects and designers can sharpen their senses and see more than the eye can capture. Now we can influence construction to become truly climate-smart," says Petra Jenning, head of FOJABcode.
In addition to FOJAB and IVL, Byggnadsfirman Otto Magnusson, MKB and Warm in the Winter are also involved in the project, which is funded by the E2B2 program.