The building sector shows enormous energy- and material flows. 40% of the European primary energy consumption refers to buildings and the building sector is responsible for more than 50% of waste materials in Europe. The European commission is aware of the importance of the building sector for sustainability and forces among other things sustainable development on a legislative level. Examples are the European Building Directive (2002/91/EG) and the Communication from the Commission to Council and the European Parliament, COM (2005) 718 “Thematic Strategy on the Urban Environment”.

As already mentioned the building sector offers large potentials towards a sustainable development. But how to measure and assess sustainability of buildings? In order to assess all environmental impacts of buildings applicable instruments are required, considering the whole life cycle, including ecological issues and economical and social aspects. LCA (Lifecycle analysis) comprises a comprehensive accounting of all material and energy inputs of a building throughout its life cycle and consolidates the results in form of an environmental evaluation of the building.

In the current project existing assessment instruments for the building sector are screened, compared, and tested regarding their suitability for daily use. Within the project integrative European wide standards for Life Cycle Assessment of buildings, as well as recommendations for stakeholders, landlords and designers will be worked out. Dissemination of LCA-applications for the building sector will be done by workshops and training sessions for above mentioned target groups.