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LCA of MEP and TI in Buildings

Research Question:

What are the typical ranges of embodied carbon (and other impact measures) for mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP) and tenant improvement (TI)?

About

This study is an extension of the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for Low Carbon Construction Project. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality selected mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) and tenant improvement (TI) as research topics of interest to investigate because there is very little data on these environmental impacts. This study presents estimates of material quantities and environmental impacts for commercial office buildings in the Pacific Northwest.

Results

Research Team

  • K. Simonen (PI)
  • H.W. Lee (Co-PI)
  • B.X. Rodriguez
  • M. Huang
  • J. Ditto

Acknowledgments

This research was funded by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. The greater Low Carbon Construction Project was also funded by the Charles Pankow Foundation and Skanska USA. This project was also made possible by a number of project advisors and contributors, who are listed in the reports.

Additional Resources

Andrew Ellsworth, founder and CEO of Doors Unhinged, has created a research poster for the Project Drawdown Conference highlighting the importance of building material reuse, supported with data from this research project.  To view the poster, click on the thumbnail below.

Buildings Spaces need LCAs

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