Life cycle sustainability assessment method for concrete

Abstract

Abstract This study aimed to develop a life cycle sustainability assessment method for concrete. An environmental impact assessment method was developed using the ELCA technique announced through the ISO 14,040 Series and KOLID, one of the life cycle impact assessment indicators. A life cycle cost assessment method was developed based on the unit price of materials and energy consumption according to the Korea Price Information. A Social Impact Assessment Method was developed by identifying appropriate major social topics and analyzing those suggested by the international organizations (UNEP). In accordance with the ‘Towards a Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment’ proposed by UNEP/SETAC, a Sustainable Concrete Index (SCI) was developed that integrates environmental, economic, and social aspects. In addition, the environmental impact of Korea’s 544 concrete types was classified by compressive strength, and the mode value was proposed as a standard concrete (environmental impact 6,662–10,785 KRW(5.02–8.12 USD), production cost 66,549–79,030 KRW(50.13–59.53 USD) so that it could be compared with the assessment concrete. As a result of selecting one ready-mix concrete business place in Korea and conducting a case study by comparing it with standard concrete, EI, CI, SI, and SCI, were analyzed to be 1.135, 1.134, 0.830, and 1.033, respectively, making it possible to quantitatively evaluate concrete sustainability.