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A life-cycle approach methodology to evaluate integrated daylight solutions

Ares Igrexas, Iván LU (2024) AEBM01 20241
Division of Energy and Building Design
Department of Architecture and Built Environment
Abstract
The objective of this work was to develop a harmonised Life-Cycle Assessment methodology tailored
specifically for assessing the environmental impact of daylighting systems. These systems include various
architectural features, such as windows, skylights, or shading devices, designed to optimize the use of
daylight in a space. This project aligns with the efforts to unify LCA practices within the construction field,
while fostering a more comprehensive approach to the building environmental assessment.
The research process was conducted in two steps. Initially, an extensive literature review was performed,
including five prevalent methodologies currently employed in LCA for buildings. The goal of this phase was
to gain a deep... (More)
The objective of this work was to develop a harmonised Life-Cycle Assessment methodology tailored
specifically for assessing the environmental impact of daylighting systems. These systems include various
architectural features, such as windows, skylights, or shading devices, designed to optimize the use of
daylight in a space. This project aligns with the efforts to unify LCA practices within the construction field,
while fostering a more comprehensive approach to the building environmental assessment.
The research process was conducted in two steps. Initially, an extensive literature review was performed,
including five prevalent methodologies currently employed in LCA for buildings. The goal of this phase was
to gain a deep understanding of their core features and identify their applicability to daylighting systems.
Subsequently, the second step culminated with de development of a harmonised methodology based on LCA
principles, adhering to the structure established in the standards ISO 14040 and 14044:2006. This approach
employs a cradle-to-grave approach, encompassing three pivotal performance aspects of daylight systems:
daylight quality, energy performance, and environmental impact. This holistic approach provides a deeper
insight of the system’s overall impact, while considering the quality of selected solution.
In the proposed methodology, the results are expressed in terms of the Global Warming Potential (GWP),
quantified as CO2-eq per kWh of primary energy consumption difference, compared to a baseline system
over a 50-year period. The baseline system reflects the average window in the European building stock.
Additionally, a minimum daylight factor median (DFm) of 1% is required for both the baseline and the novel
system. To illustrate its application, the harmonised methodology is then applied considering the adoption of
a hypothetical electrochromic glazing assembly for a building retrofit in two different spatial contexts,
representing a closed and an open office plan, based on the standardized PASSYS and BESTEST test cells.
The research process resulted in several lessons learned. Firstly, by including a minimum daylight
performance threshold, it underscored the importance of adopting a holistic approach to environmental,

energy performance, and daylighting quality. Secondly, the study highlighted the importance of context-
based evaluations, point out to the importance of variable such as building design, maintenance practices,

climatic conditions, or energy sources. Lastly, establishing a baseline emerged as a critical aspect for
creating accurate and meaningful comparative assessments, clearly distinguishing between well-performing
and poorly performing systems. (Less)
Please use this url to cite or link to this publication:
author
Ares Igrexas, Iván LU
supervisor
organization
course
AEBM01 20241
year
type
H2 - Master's Degree (Two Years)
subject
keywords
daylighting system, daylighting assessment, life-cycle assessment (LCA), LCA methodology, Global Warming Potential (GWP)
language
English
id
9151337
date added to LUP
2024-05-15 07:33:09
date last changed
2024-05-15 07:33:09
@misc{9151337,
  abstract     = {{The objective of this work was to develop a harmonised Life-Cycle Assessment methodology tailored
specifically for assessing the environmental impact of daylighting systems. These systems include various
architectural features, such as windows, skylights, or shading devices, designed to optimize the use of
daylight in a space. This project aligns with the efforts to unify LCA practices within the construction field,
while fostering a more comprehensive approach to the building environmental assessment.
The research process was conducted in two steps. Initially, an extensive literature review was performed,
including five prevalent methodologies currently employed in LCA for buildings. The goal of this phase was
to gain a deep understanding of their core features and identify their applicability to daylighting systems.
Subsequently, the second step culminated with de development of a harmonised methodology based on LCA
principles, adhering to the structure established in the standards ISO 14040 and 14044:2006. This approach
employs a cradle-to-grave approach, encompassing three pivotal performance aspects of daylight systems:
daylight quality, energy performance, and environmental impact. This holistic approach provides a deeper
insight of the system’s overall impact, while considering the quality of selected solution.
In the proposed methodology, the results are expressed in terms of the Global Warming Potential (GWP),
quantified as CO2-eq per kWh of primary energy consumption difference, compared to a baseline system
over a 50-year period. The baseline system reflects the average window in the European building stock.
Additionally, a minimum daylight factor median (DFm) of 1% is required for both the baseline and the novel
system. To illustrate its application, the harmonised methodology is then applied considering the adoption of
a hypothetical electrochromic glazing assembly for a building retrofit in two different spatial contexts,
representing a closed and an open office plan, based on the standardized PASSYS and BESTEST test cells.
The research process resulted in several lessons learned. Firstly, by including a minimum daylight
performance threshold, it underscored the importance of adopting a holistic approach to environmental,

energy performance, and daylighting quality. Secondly, the study highlighted the importance of context-
based evaluations, point out to the importance of variable such as building design, maintenance practices,

climatic conditions, or energy sources. Lastly, establishing a baseline emerged as a critical aspect for
creating accurate and meaningful comparative assessments, clearly distinguishing between well-performing
and poorly performing systems.}},
  author       = {{Ares Igrexas, Iván}},
  language     = {{eng}},
  note         = {{Student Paper}},
  title        = {{A life-cycle approach methodology to evaluate integrated daylight solutions}},
  year         = {{2024}},
}