IEA Annex 72: Assessing Life Cycle Related Environmental Impacts Caused by Buildings

In recognition of the significance of energy use in buildings, in 1977 the International Energy Agency has established an Implementing Agreement on Energy in Buildings and Communities (EBC). Tasks are undertaken through a series of ‘Annexes’, so called because they are legally established as annexes to the EBC Implementing Agreement. IEA Annex 72 aims to advance the research already conducted within EBC Annexes 56 and 57. It broadens the previous scope by including operational impacts of buildings in use and addressing environmental impacts in addition to primary energy demand and greenhouse gas emissions. It also addresses harmonization issues arising when applying LCA approaches on buildings. PSI is responsible to investigate the influence of future electricity system development on the life cycle greenhouse gas emissions of Swiss construction materials listed in the Swiss Building LCA database (Koordinationskonferenz der Bau- und Liegenschaftsorgane der öffentlichen Bauherren, also known as KBOB).