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Comparative evaluation of LEED and QSAS credits using life cycle analysis : case study from Qatar

International Construction Specialty Conference (5th : 2015 : Vancouver, B.C.); Canadian Society for Civil Engineering

Implementation of sustainability rating systems for buildings had a recognized effect on the increased level of sustainability adoption in the construction industry. However, there is still a need for objective quantifiable evidence that the concepts adopted by the sustainability rating systems and implemented in projects lead to optimum positive impacts on resource consumption and the environment. The objective of this paper is to present research conducted to assess the actual environmental impact saved by implementing credits of both LEED (Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design) and QSAS (Qatar Sustainability Assessment System) using Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) approach. The impact of implementing LEED and QSAS credits under the categories of energy, water and urban connectivity on a selected project in Qatar was analyzed using LCA. The results of this analysis manifest the objective quantifiable benefits behind applying the respective sustainability credits and how the impact of an international rating system differs from that of a system developed for the specific region where the project is located. The relative weights allocated to these credits were also analyzed in light of the corresponding LCA results in order to evaluate the significance of such weights and how they can be reconsidered to achieve optimum reduction of impacts.

Text

2015-11-25

Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.5 Canada

http://hdl.handle.net/2429/53868

Froese, T. M., Newton, L., Sadeghpour, F. & Vanier, D. J. (EDs.) (2015). Proceedings of ICSC15: The Canadian Society for Civil Engineering 5th International/11th Construction Specialty Conference, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. June 7-10.

Faculty; Other

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