Green building embodies an integrated design approach with the goal of producing an energy efficient and sustainable building. Within this realm, Life Cycle Analysis has emerged a knowledge-based tool capable of revealing environmental performance metrics and indicators of sustainability that can significantly influence selection of proper building materials. However, given the many challenges – inherent complexities, data constraints etc. - widespread adoption of LCA has yet to occur. In what ways is the LCA of building materials a scalable concept producing applicable conclusions , to what extent?

• Can Life Cycle Analysis be a tool through which green building goals are realized, from a sustainable materials and whole building point of view?
• What developments are accelerating the use of LCAs in the building material world?
• How can industry partnerships and innovation in tools, software, databases:
      - Overcome challenges of having quality data readily accessible?
      - Faciliate consistent methods of compiling inventories?
      - Take a uniform approach to interpreting and analyzing data?
• In the US, what is the current outlook for widespread adoption of Environmental Product Declarations and other types of green labeling that successfully integrate LCA results and facilitate recognition of sustainable products?
• Closing Remarks: To what extent is life cycle analysis of sustainable building materials a part of the solution in the pursuit of high-performance green building and in the identification of truly sustainable building materials?

Speakers:

The Brick Industry Association, Wendy Talarico, LEED AP, Architectural Outreach Manager
First Environment, Michael S. Richardson P.E., Senior Engineer
Healthy Building Network, Tom Lent, Policy Director
The Institute of Environmental Research and Education, Dr. Rita Schenck, LCACP, Executive Director

Moderator:

Constantine Cannon LLP, Stanley Alpert, LEED Green Associate, Of Counsel

Meet the Panel