Life Cycle Assessment of Deep Energy Retrofitting solutions: An Economic and Environmental Study on a Public Housing Complex Managed by AUMSA in Valencia

Abstract

[EN] In response to the climate crisis, there is a pressing need to revisit traditional construction methods. The European Union, through its EU Green Deal, aims to double the deep energy renovations annual rate by 2030, aligning with the United Nations' goal for climate neutrality by 2050. This study evaluates the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Costs (LCC) associated with two proposed deep renovation scenarios for a public residential building managed by ‘Actuaciones Urbanas Municipales S.A.’ (AUMSA), located in Valencia, Spain. The building is comprehensively analysed using full-building energy simulations through Energy Plus, an LCA with Sima Pro, and an LCC using the Building Life Cycle Cost program. For each method and its corresponding tools, there is an alignment with the CTE HE Spanish normative and ISO standards. This detailed examination focuses on two scenarios: one employing traditional materials and the other using unconventional materials sourced locally. In the evaluated scenarios, the use of unconventional, locally sourced materials is identified as the most environmentally beneficial option. However, it is associated with higher initial costs when assessed through LCC analysis, compared to traditional methods. This finding emphasises the necessity to integrate environmental and economic assessments to formulate strategic plans for extensive energy renovations. The balance between maximising environmental benefits while optimising costs is crucial for enhancing the current rates of deep renovations. Such plans should align with the three pillars of sustainability: social, environmental, and economic, providing a comprehensive roadmap for sustainable development.