Modeling the energy and environmental life cycle of buildings: A co-simulation approach

Building simulation is currently looking towards interdisciplinary experiences, aiming to the integration of simulation tools in different technical domains. At the same time, the interest of the building community to high performance buildings has also strengthened the interest on Life Cycle performances of such buildings, due to the reduction in their operational stage impacts. In this context, the paper proposes an integration of building simulation and Life Cycle Assessment through the programming of a TRNSYS component. It can perform Life Cycle Assessment studies, while having as output as well energy balances and energy and environmental payback times. Currently, the tool is tailored to calculate the indicators Global energy requirement and Global warming potential, but its flexibility allows to calculate any kind of indicator, if given the right inputs. Validation results report percentage deviations variable between 10E-3% and 10E-8% if compared to a standard Life Cycle Assessment study, thus it is possible to state that the Type is a reliable tool for such applications.