Author(s)

L. Marletta, G. Evola & F. Sicurella

Abstract

In recent years the use of technological systems in buildings has considerably grown; the components are produced by industrial processes whose energetic and environmental impact is outstanding. The aim of this paper is the evaluation of the environmental impact and the energetic cost related to technological systems (heating, air conditioning, waterworks, fire-proofing, etc.). To this aim the Life Cycle Assessment approach is used; the environmental damage is assessed by means of the Eco-indicator 99 method. For every component (pipes, ducts, wires, radiators) different solutions and materials are considered, corresponding to the current technologies, in order to find out the best and less impactive solution. A case study is then considered to show the environmental benefit achievable by means of a proper design. The technical equipment of a real building is taken into account, and an \“ecological” version is defined, by choosing the best solution for every component. The score of the whole apparatus in the ecological version is then compared to the one of the actual installation, showing that an outstanding reduction of the environmental impact can be obtained. Keywords: life cycle, environmental impact, technical equipment, pipes. 1 Introduction Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a well known methodology for the evaluation of the environmental impact associated with the production, use and disposal of a product, taking into account resources and emissions occurring throughout its life, from cradle (extraction of raw materials) to grave (disposal). There is a wide literature concerning the application of LCA to building materials, due to the importance of the sector and to the number of new constructions in previous decades.

Keywords

life cycle, environmental impact, technical equipment, pipes.