Sustainable building design is not that difficult according to David Baggs, CEO & program director at Global GreenTag Certification.

In fact, combined with smart integrative design, the resources are readily available to create the sustainable outcomes that the built environment and its’ processes desperately need.

It’s all in Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) methodology that is emerging as one of the industry’s most valuable assessment tools to help implement and measure environmental credentials.

In his talk at DesignBUILD Expo, David will share the not so complex strategies for integrating LCA into building design.

From material selection and carbon quantative design to managing the energy operations of a building, David will offer a current market update on LCA whilst offering a forecast of future developments in the area.

Attendees will also be introduced to useful tools currently available in Australia and some emerging technology coming into the marketplace from the US.

David will demonstrate how both local and global projects are implementing LCA into their documentation process, utilising BIM and showcase simple examples of how designers can implement LCA themselves.

Digital enthusiasts will enjoy the introduction to various software packages and their capability as demonstrated through a range of case studies.

“I want architects and designers to be aware that the tools exist for them to make their job easier, their projects more robust whilst simultaneously creating better sustainable outcomes,” explains David.

“I think the biggest challenge is for the industry to understand that sustainability needn’t make things more complex, there are simple tools available to make simple daily decisions in the way you specify a product.”

David will also highlight the rising national focus on LCA prompted by Green Star implementing comparative life cycle assessment into their building rating tools.

“The industry can no longer stick their head in their sand,” warns David. “LCA projects will potentially land on their desk at sometime in the near future and it will be a challenge if you are not prepared.”

In his talk, David will also decipher the language around LCA and highlight a variety of opportunities that will require focus to meet client and industry requirements.

“Embodied impacts of buildings and fit outs are a big contributor to the whole-of-life greenhouse and climate change effects,” explains David. “This is in the key target area for a lot of corporations and major property owners, particularly property trusts now.”

“Many of the trusts are now required to do CSR declarations as part of their stock exchange reporting and if they have buildings in their portfolio, Green Star and LCA will become part of their social responsibility reporting requirements,” he adds.

Europe is currently the strongest in the LCA market, followed closely by the US and then Australia – and we have a lot work to do according to David.

“I think in Australia, there is a current perception that there’s been a big swing away from the concept of green buildings at a governmental level,” says David.

“Personally, I don’t agree and believe many corporations and state governments have made it a focus.  Including Victoria and Queensland that have put “green” back onto the agenda reintroducing Green Star requirements.”

David encourages industry to consider attending DesignBUILD with fresh eyes. “The new format and content is worth a revisit,” he explains. “Sustainability and LCA will be a hot topic and I look forward to some great conversations and collaboration during the event.”