Volume 1, section 4

4. Conclusion

The embodied energy coefficients database, now existing within the SimaPro framework, is at a point where the next big step in establishing useful and widely applicable guidelines for environmentally responsible building, based on sound and detailed knowledge, is ready to be taken. The SPOLD format used by SimaPro provides an internationally recognised format for the collection of data on environmental impacts. The full collection of data for all environmental impacts is likely to be a large task but using SimaPro it may be tackled as resources permit. Ongoing development of the SimaPro program by its makers can be expected to further improve the usability of the database. With these advances the uptake of the facility by the building industry and wider New Zealand public can be anticipated. The example SimaPro "project" described in Volume I, Section 4 shows for a standard house how this data might be used by industry.

The potential value of the database to building specifiers and product and materials manufacturers is significant. With such a tool at their disposal manufacturers would be able to ascertain the downstream effects of alternative ingredients, in terms of energy initially, and in full LCA terms given the necessary data collection. This is likely to provide some with a worthwhile marketing lever. The ability to connect the public interest in minimising environmental impacts with a marketing potential for businesses has the potential to precipitate environmentally beneficial changes in the New Zealand building industry. It should give some companies within the industry the economic incentive to cater to public concern for the environment.

To fully exploit this potential in the SimaPro database will require the following discrete pieces of work:

1. Collection of environmental impact data for New Zealand building materials for entry into the existing database structure (in the following priority order):

• CO2
• Other greenhouse gases
• Ozone depleting substances
• Pesticides; Carcinogens
• Smog generating substances; solid waste, heavy metals emissions, eutrophication, acidification

2. Establishment of weighting factors by which a single index of environmental impact might be constructed from the data collected in (1) above;

3. Creation of a set of standard building projects within SimaPro to facilitate comparisons of alternate building constructions for houses, commercial buildings etc. This work would use the earlier work of Baird and Chan (BIAC house), Treleaven19 (5 storey commercial building) and Honey and Buchanan20 (timber buildings); exploration with the BIA of the feasibility of LCA performance specification inclusion in the NZBC.