Enhancing the Use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) to Better Enable Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in Sustainable Architectural Practice

Abstract

This dissertation examines the intersection of environmental sustainability and architectural practice through the lens of Building Information Modelling (BIM), the environmental impact potential (EIP) of building materials, and embodied carbon accounting using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology. The research focuses on evaluating the Quality Control (QC) of industry-prepared BIM models within the Canadian Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry, aiming to establish a practical framework for assessing model readiness in conducting BIM-based LCA. By investigating the roles of architects and sustainability consultants in early-stage design decision-making and leveraging BIM tools to facilitate LCA, the study aims to advance sustainable architectural workflows and foreground embodied carbon considerations during the design phase. A comprehensive review of current literature was undertaken to explore best practices, standards, governmental mandates, and commonly adopted tools by architectural and engineering professionals. Particular attention is given to the interoperability between BIM software (Autodesk Revit®) and LCA applications (Tally™), examining their integration to support embodied carbon accounting. The research underscores the importance of embedding sustainability into architectural design by refining QC procedures and establishing a “Systematic Evaluation Workflow” (SEW) to examine the readiness of Revit® models before conducting LCA using Tally™ to reduce environmental impact and support informed decision-making. The primary objective is to gather empirical data from architectural firms, LCA consultants, and industry-generated BIM models to identify existing gaps and provide actionable strategies for enabling BIM-based LCA. The study leverages current practices to enhance sustainable design thinking and extend early-stage decision-making frameworks within architectural workflows, thereby minimizing distractions during implementation. The methodology combines qualitative and quantitative approaches, including stakeholder interviews, model and content analysis, to assess the prevailing conditions of embodied carbon optimization among professionals in Alberta, Canada, and across North America. In addition, case studies are employed to explore the practical implementation of LCA simulations and evaluate BIM model compliance with current requirements set by Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs). The findings yield key recommendations to bridge knowledge and practice gaps, enhance communication protocols, and introduce a structured QC framework (SEW) at the project’s inception, representing the dissertation’s main contribution. Results indicate that the building consulting sector possesses the capacity to adopt BIM-based LCA with minimal disruption to existing operations, demonstrating that embodied carbon assessments are not only feasible but can be seamlessly integrated into standard practice. Through these contributions, the dissertation supports the advancement of sustainable architectural practice and the cultivation of environmental stewardship within the AEC industry.