Life Cycle Energy and Environmental Analysis of Partition Wall Systems in the UK

Abstract

Although operational energy is currently the main focus of sustainability in building regulations, embodied energy and associated environmental impacts are gaining importance in absolute and percentage terms, as operational energy consumption is reduced. This paper assesses three types of partition wall system using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) techniques: brick from clay; hollow block from concrete; and traditional timber frame. The results showed that clay brick wall is the most significant wall in terms of consumed energy and environmental impacts associated with the entire life cycle.