Abstract
In this paper, life-cycle assessment (LCA) of materials is considered in the context of building industry. A review and classification of materials is made with the aim of creating a Component Carbon Footprint Database(CCFD) system. While a variety of materials are examined and discussed, the author introduced how components are formed and illustrated their role in the carbon footprint evaluation of interior renovation. The perimeter of a component database system is a 5-Stage LCA of materials ranging from raw material extraction, material transportation, component manufacture, component transportation and component installation. This paper focuses on methodologies developed for data and inventory analysis for building materials. A case study of partition wall, wall decoration, flooring, ceiling and fixed furniture as a building component is introduced with a break-down of its materials to illustrate its carbon unit calculation. The paper concludes by outlining several issues when one intends to re-create a carbon emission database system exclusive for another region which may require further qualitative and quantitative analysis.
