Environmental datasets for cement and steel rebars to be used as generic for a national context

• Published in: Journal of cleaner production 2021-09, Vol.316, p.128003, Article 128003
• Main Authors: Gomes, Raul, Silvestre, José Dinis, de Brito, Jorge, Lasvaux, Sébastien
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Building materials; Data quality; EPD; Generic data; LCA
• ISSN: 0959-6526; 1879-1786
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jclepro.2021.128003

The selection of the most suitable Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) databases, and corresponding elementary processes, to be used in the modelling of raw materials and related processes, is of paramount importance and decisively conditions LCA results. The NativeLCA methodology is based on the selection and/or adaptation of a coherent LCA dataset to produce each building product to be used as generic data for a national context. The aims of this paper are: to test the plausibility of Portuguese LCA datasets of raw and construction materials used in reinforced concrete structures; to confirm the coherence and usefulness of the NativeLCA methodology; and to increase the number of case studies illustrating its application that are available for the scientific and academic community. In that sense, the NativeLCA methodology is briefly summarized; available databases for construction products are presented and characterized; and two case studies (representing a full and a simplified NativeLCA methodology application) are presented and discussed. The results include coherent LCA datasets for cement and steel rebars product stage (A1-A3), based on the adaptation of available European (foreign or national) LCA datasets, that can be used as generic in LCA studies in Portugal. This paper also contributes to: the development of the NativeLCA methodology by providing examples of its application in its full and simplified versions; demonstrate that, while further efforts are needed to develop regional and sector-specific LCA databases, adapted to each national context, the NativeLCA approach can be used to consistently choose available LCA datasets to be used as generic in a national context; lead practitioners to increase the reliability of building LCA studies according to their goal and scope definition. •Test of the plausibility of Portuguese LCA datasets for cement and steel rebars.•Selection and adaptation of LCA datasets for use as generic in a national context.•Illustrate the selection of suitable LCA datasets for modelling raw materials.•Confirm the coherence and usefulness of the NativeLCA methodology.•Increase the number of case studies illustrating NativeLCA methodology application.