What are the most common misconceptions about lifecycle assessment and costing?

2 Myth 2: LAC is only relevant for green buildings

Another misconception is that LAC is only useful for facilities or projects that aim to achieve environmental certification or compliance, such as LEED, BREEAM, or Green Star. While LAC can certainly help facilities engineers demonstrate the environmental performance and benefits of their designs, it is not limited to green buildings. LAC can also help facilities engineers evaluate the trade-offs and synergies between environmental and economic aspects of any facility or project, such as energy efficiency, operational costs, maintenance requirements, and waste management. LAC can also help facilities engineers identify potential risks and opportunities for improvement and innovation.

3 Myth 3: LAC is only applicable for new facilities or projects

A third misconception is that LAC is only relevant for new facilities or projects, and not for existing ones. This is not true, as LAC can be applied to any stage of the lifecycle of a facility or project, including the operation, renovation, retrofit, or demolition phases. LAC can help facilities engineers assess the current performance and impacts of their facilities or projects, and compare them with alternative scenarios or options. For example, LAC can help facilities engineers decide whether to refurbish or replace an aging facility or equipment, or whether to implement a new technology or process.

4 Myth 4: LAC is only valid for long-term facilities or projects

A fourth misconception is that LAC is only meaningful for facilities or projects that have a long lifespan, such as buildings, bridges, or power plants. While it is true that LAC can capture the cumulative effects and impacts of long-term facilities or projects, it can also be applied to short-term or temporary ones, such as events, exhibitions, or campaigns. LAC can help facilities engineers evaluate the environmental and economic implications of their short-term or temporary facilities or projects, and optimize their design, operation, and disposal. For example, LAC can help facilities engineers choose the most sustainable and cost-effective materials, equipment, and services for their events, exhibitions, or campaigns.

5 Myth 5: LAC is a one-time exercise

A fifth misconception is that LAC is a one-time exercise, and not a continuous or iterative process. This is not true, as LAC can and should be updated and revised as new information, data, or feedback becomes available. LAC can help facilities engineers monitor and measure the actual performance and impacts of their facilities or projects, and compare them with the expected or planned ones. LAC can also help facilities engineers identify and address any gaps, deviations, or errors in their LAC assumptions, methods, or results. For example, LAC can help facilities engineers adjust their design, operation, or maintenance strategies based on the actual environmental and economic outcomes of their facilities or projects.