Calculation tools for sustainability in construction

Assignment description

You assignment will be to get familiar with the system of sustainability calculation tools used in construction and to research the differences between the Dutch, Belgian and European methods. Where does the difference lay, in the impact categories, weighting factor or somewhere else? Is it possible to translate the results from one tool to fit the other? How significant is the difference between the tools for biobased buildings?

Your project will consist of (at least) the following activities:

• Literature study on the different Dutch and Belgian tools and methods for calculating building products impacts and building impacts.
• Analytical work
• Case studies using Belgian and Dutch tools to calculate the environmental impact of biobased materials/buildings.
• Writing a final report about your project and your results.

General information

The student who will execute the assignment gets a fee of €350,- per month.

Desirable skills/qualities of the student

• The student should be able to carry out independent research and project management.
• A background in environmental sciences or (building) engineering with an interest on LCA’s and analytical work is preferable.
• HBO or university students are preferred.
• Strong command of the English language.