I prodotti ecocompatibili nel progetto edilizio: valutazione e ciclo di vita dell'edificio

Many methods have been developed for the environmental evaluation of building materials and components. Environmental evaluation is althoug rarely carried out by architects. This is probably due to the poor integration of the eco-tools in the design process. Buildings are different from other industrial products. The life cycle of buildings is longer and they are made by a number of different components and materials. Moreover the user requirements are changing and are not the same during the building service life. Environmental evaluation involves all building process phases such as materials and components production, building site works, use and maintenance, demolition and reuse. Maintenance is a great part of all building works. During the building life many parts are replaced, i.e. plant components, paintings .. Consequently the costs as well as the environmental impact of such maintenance and replacement are relevant. In this paper we suggest the integration of the environmental evaluation of building components in the design process. The LCA analysis and the product eco-label or EPD must be associated to the specification process and the maintenance forecast and planning.The proposed evaluation method allows the collection of data from different sources: component producers, literature, data base on maintenance and service life etc. In this way the design team can develop a library of specific information for any design option. An example of this procedure is shown for a metal frame door.