Reports and Papers
New Canadian Wood Product Reports
LCA of Canadian Softwood Lumber
LCA of Canadian Softwood Plywood Sheathing
LCA of Canadian Oriented Strand Board (OSB)
LCA of Canadian Particleboard
LCA of Canadian Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF)
Abstract:
LCA of Canadian Softwood Lumber
LCA of Canadian Softwood Plywood Sheathing
LCA of Canadian Oriented Strand Board (OSB)
LCA of Canadian Particleboard
LCA of Canadian Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF)
Abstract:
In 2008, FPInnovations - Forintek Dvision and the Athena Institute undertook a joint study of the energy consumption in the Canadian solid wood products sector to support the Canadian Industry Program for Energy Conservation (CIPEC)'s initiative to develop an energy efficiency campaign for the solid wood sector.
The study was limited to five Canadian wood product sector commodity products: softwood lumber; softwood plywood (construction grade); oriented strand board; particleboard; and medium density fiberboard.
The following reports were produced, and are available for viewing or downloading here:
A Cradle-to-Gate LCA of Canadian Softwood Lumber A Cradle-to-Gate LCA of Canadian Softwood Plywood Sheathing A Cradle-to-Gate LCA of Canadian Oriented Strand Board A Cradle-to-Gate LCA of Canadian Particleboard A Cradle-to-Gate LCA of Canadian Medium Density Fiberboard
The reported resulted are based on the economic allocation method, with each report containing a sensitivity analysis contrasting the economic allocation method with the alternative mass allocation method. Please note that the updated Canadian wood product LCI databases incorporated in the ATHENA® Impact Estimator for Buildings, Version 4.0, reflect the mass allocation methodology to maintain continuity with CORRIM's protocol for USA wood products, which are also contained in the Impact Estimator Version 4.0 software.
The study was limited to five Canadian wood product sector commodity products: softwood lumber; softwood plywood (construction grade); oriented strand board; particleboard; and medium density fiberboard.
The following reports were produced, and are available for viewing or downloading here:
A Cradle-to-Gate LCA of Canadian Softwood Lumber A Cradle-to-Gate LCA of Canadian Softwood Plywood Sheathing A Cradle-to-Gate LCA of Canadian Oriented Strand Board A Cradle-to-Gate LCA of Canadian Particleboard A Cradle-to-Gate LCA of Canadian Medium Density Fiberboard
The reported resulted are based on the economic allocation method, with each report containing a sensitivity analysis contrasting the economic allocation method with the alternative mass allocation method. Please note that the updated Canadian wood product LCI databases incorporated in the ATHENA® Impact Estimator for Buildings, Version 4.0, reflect the mass allocation methodology to maintain continuity with CORRIM's protocol for USA wood products, which are also contained in the Impact Estimator Version 4.0 software.
LCA of Embodied Effects for Existing Historic Buildings
Abstract:
This study, recently completed for Parks Canada, compares the effects of keeping historic buildings as opposed to building new structures in the same locations. The report demonstrates the significant environmental impacts that can be avoided by preserving an existing building instead of demolishing it and building new. The project team applied the concept of LCA in assessing four separate buildings across Canada using the ATHENA® EcoCalculator. For each of the four case studies, the report provides numeric values of total avoided Global Warming Potential impact in C02 equivalent tonnes.
The report was revised in July, 2009 to correct several tables reporting values in GigaJoules rather than MegaJoules. This correction produces an increase of approximately 3% in avoided energy impact results in the whole building demolition numbers. Also, the total areas for the Parkdale Fire Station were incorrectly labeled and have been changed from square feet to square meters. This change has no impact whatsoever on energy calculations. None of the revisions affects the global warming numbers or the essential conclusions of the study.
The report was revised in July, 2009 to correct several tables reporting values in GigaJoules rather than MegaJoules. This correction produces an increase of approximately 3% in avoided energy impact results in the whole building demolition numbers. Also, the total areas for the Parkdale Fire Station were incorrectly labeled and have been changed from square feet to square meters. This change has no impact whatsoever on energy calculations. None of the revisions affects the global warming numbers or the essential conclusions of the study.
Trusty, W.B., ‘Standards vs. Recommended Practice: Separating Process and
Prescriptive Measures from Building Performance’.
Journal of ASTM International, Vol. 5, No. 2.
Paper ID JAI101169
Published Online: 13 February 2008
(Available online at www.astm.org)
Abstract:
Journal of ASTM International, Vol. 5, No. 2.
Paper ID JAI101169
Published Online: 13 February 2008
(Available online at www.astm.org
)
Abstract:
Rating systems in North America are experiencing a fundamental shift in the way they approach
sustainable design, away from a prescriptive methodology toward one that emphasizes quantifiable
performance. They are maturing, placing more importance on issues such as life cycle assessment and
how to strengthen the link between design forecasts and actual building performance over the long-term.
But, they remain an inherent mix of objective and subjective elements–of process, prescriptive measures,
and performance–which makes it difficult for them to evolve in their entirety into sustainable building
standards. This paper will focus on fundamental issues related to the standardization of sustainable design
principles in the context of assessment and rating systems, drawing on the experience of the Green
Building Initiative (GBI) American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Technical Committee for Green
Globes™. The GBI is the first national organization to take a green building rating system through the
consensus-based ANSI process, and its technical committee will examine how process, prescriptive, and
performance measures fit in a standard of this nature. For example, experience shows that an integrated
design process tends to result in higher performance buildings. However, while it is recommended practice,
can it be mandated as part of a standard if it isn’t a measure of the building’s actual worth? Indeed, can any
process be dictated, or would this risk penalizing an exceptional building for something that has nothing to
do with sustainability? Likewise, prescriptive measures such as favoring building materials with recycled
content do not always deliver the benefits they are widely assumed to have. They are means to an end and
should not be treated as objectives in their own right. It is tempting to include prescriptive measures in a
standard because they are easy to verify. But do we not then risk perpetuating points of view that, while
deeply entrenched, do not contribute positively to actual building performance?
Plastic Products LCA - Technical Report
Abstract:
The focus of this report is comparative Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) results for the production of various kinds of plastic consumer products made from petroleum- and bio-based resins. Energy and emissions associated with the production and disposal of five products currently and soon to be on the market were evaluated. November, 2006.
Plastic Products LCA - Summary Report
Abstract:
This is the summary of the detailed technical report referenced above. November, 2006.
A Life Cycle Perspective on Concrete and Asphalt Roadways
Abstract:
In 2006, the Athena Institute prepared this updated and expanded report for the Cement Association of Canada on our study of the life cycle embodied energy and global warming emissions for rigid Portland cement and flexible asphalt concrete roadway alternatives in various Canadian regions. The report encompasses asphalt and Portland cement-based comparisons of Canadian arterial roads and high volume highways designs, an “as built” Quebec freeway, and a tangent section of Highway 401 in Ontario over a 50-year life cycle planning timeframe.
Upper Canada College Carbon Neutral Synthetic Field Turf System
Abstract:
A life cycle approach was followed to estimate the greenhouse gases emitted during the life cycle of a synthetic turf playing field system in comparison to a natural grass system. This study also determined the number of trees to be planted to achieve a 10-year carbon neutral synthetic turf installation.
Service Life Considerations in Relation to Green Building Rating Systems: An Exploratory Study, in collaboration with Morrison Hershfield Limited.
Abstract:
This report examines how service life criteria can be appropriately included in green building rating systems such as LEED and Green Globes, discusses the issues, and provides a basis for the development or refinement of credits by those responsible for the different rating systems. April, 2006.
A Business Case for Green Buildings in Canada, in association with Morrison Hershfield Limited and Industry Canada
Abstract:
This Business Case, presented to Industry Canada, defines the state of the green building industry in Canada, provides a basis for recognizing the many unique and tangible benefits a green building might offer, and explores the challenges and barriers facing the Canadian industry. It also reflects an extensive search of published and unpublished papers and studies focusing on the nature and benefits of green buildings. March, 2005.
Minnesota Demolition Survey
Abstract:
In an effort to determine whether there is a correlation between structural materials and reasons for demolition, the Athena Institute undertook a major survey of buildings demolished in St. Paul, Minnesota between 2000 and mid-2003. The survey covers 227 commercial and residential properties. Prepared for Forintek Canada Corporation, February, 2004.
LCA Tool Integration
LCA Tool Integration - Slides
Abstract:
This report examines ways to ensure better integration of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) techniques and LCA-based decision support tools in whole building rating and certification systems. It includes a detailed examination of the different approaches of GBTool and LEED, as well as a brief discussion of key constraints that must still be addressed and overcome.
The Many Dimensions of Uncertainty Analysis in LCA, by Dr.G.Norris
Abstract:
The Many Dimensions of Uncertainty Analysis in LCA:
Gregory Norris, who is respected worldwide for his innovations in quantifying and understanding sustainability, provides an interesting look at many of the factors that lead to uncertainty in the world of Life Cycle Assessment. Data quality, subjective probability and variability are some of the issues examined.
Gregory Norris, who is respected worldwide for his innovations in quantifying and understanding sustainability, provides an interesting look at many of the factors that lead to uncertainty in the world of Life Cycle Assessment. Data quality, subjective probability and variability are some of the issues examined.