Modelling the role of time in carbon footprints for building elements - testing different methodologies

Currently, international Life Cycle Assessment and Carbon Footprint standards inadequately account for the climate change mitigation potential associated with biogenic carbon storage in wood products. Another method of accounting for carbon – called Dynamic LCA – has been applied more recently by researchers to assess biogenic carbon storage. It potentially provides a more policy-relevant and scientifically accurate method of accounting for biogenic carbon storage in wood products with longer lifetimes. This research will apply the Dynamic LCA method to individual wall, floor and roof elements used in NZ residential buildings, comprising different mixes of timber, engineered wood, concrete and steel materials. We will compare the results using Dynamic LCA with those using current methodological approaches. Modelling will be undertaken for residential wall, floor and roof elements over different modelled building service lives. This will enable us to understand the potential contribution of biogenic carbon storage to mitigate the carbon footprint of the NZ residential stock.