What type of impact assessment is referenced in Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction?

Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction specifically references Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) as a key method for evaluating the environmental impacts of a building throughout its entire life cycle. LCA considers various stages, from raw material extraction and manufacturing through construction, operation, maintenance, and eventual demolition or recycling. This comprehensive assessment allows for an accurate measurement of the potential environmental effects associated with the building's materials, processes, and energy use, making it crucial for understanding the full impact of a building on the environment.

Life-Cycle Assessment helps in making informed choices about materials and design that can significantly reduce negative environmental impacts. By using LCA, project teams can identify opportunities for reducing emissions and resource consumption, aligning with LEED's goals for sustainable building practices. This assessment method supports the credit's intent to promote strategies that reduce the overall life-cycle impacts of building materials.