Eco-Build NW - Construction flows
Analysis of resources, waste and impacts in the construction process
Summary of impacts
The summary charts for the environmental impacts from the construction and operation of a typical dwelling, are quite revealing.
These are all calculated where the construction cost is spread over 33 years, equivalent to a net present value calculation (NPV) of 6%. The analysis of lifetime costs in the next section also bears out this approach, rather than a simple assumption of 60 year life or any other.
In terms of material flow, there is near equality between the operating energy and the construction costs, with maintenance at only 4%. The picture is even more equally balanced for the eco-footprint allocation.
The CO2 impacts however are skewed heavily towards the direct energy side, which is fossil fuel intensive. This of course depends on the power generation fuel mix, but at a national level this is unlikely to shift rapidly.
