Comparing the biodiversity impacts of timber and other building materials

Abstract

The sustainability requirements of building codes in Australia and other countries are becoming increasingly stringent. To date, legislated requirements in Australia have largely been restricted to the operational energy used in buildings and water use efficiency. However, it is likely that the Building Code of Australia (BCA) will address other environmental concerns in the future and that life cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies will play a prominent role in shaping regulations applying to Australian buildings (DEH 2006). This report explores means of including the biodiversity impact of land use, such as forestry, agriculture, mining, and industrial and urban development, in life cycle assessments of buildings, building materials and other products. Its aims to provide a framework for dialogue between the different professions involved in this process: ecologists, LCA practitioners, government, design professionals and industry. It examines: · key concepts and terms · Life Cycle Assessment processes · Issues in incorporating land use impacts on biodiversity into LCA.