This report evaluates six roofing materials\u2014Asphalt, Fiberglass, Steel, Aluminum, Soil, and Vegetation\u2014using Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA). The study examines energy consumption, CO\u2082 emissions, NO\u2093 emissions, SO\u2082 emissions, and costs across the life cycle of each material. Materials are ranked using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) based on their environmental and economic performance. The findings suggest that Green Roof materials (Soil and Vegetation) offer long-term sustainability benefits despite higher initial costs. Sensitivity analysis shows that these conclusions are robust.<\/p>\n
Roofing systems play an essential role in building protection and influence energy efficiency, sustainability, and long-term costs. As concerns about climate change grow, selecting environmentally friendly roofing materials becomes increasingly important. This study evaluates six roofing materials:
\n– Asphalt
\n– Fiberglass
\n– Steel
\n– Aluminum
\n– Soil
\n– Vegetation
\nWe assess their environmental impact, cost-effectiveness, and sustainability benefits using LCA and MCDA (AHP).<\/p>\n
The goal of this study is to:
\n– Compare the environmental impacts (CO\u2082, NO\u2093, SO\u2082 emissions, energy use) of the roofing materials.
\n– Assess costs (initial, maintenance, operational, end-of-life).
\n– Rank materials using MCDA (AHP).
\n– Perform sensitivity analysis to test decision reliability.
\nWe evaluate the full life cycle of each material\u2014from production to disposal\u2014for a comprehensive sustainability assessment.<\/p>\n
Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA)LCA measures the environmental impact of materials across four stages:
\n1. Production
\n2. Installation
\n3. Usage
\n4. End-of-life disposal<\/p>\n
Key indicators include:
\n– Energy consumption (MJ\/t)
\n– CO\u2082 emissions (kg\/m\u00b3)
\n– NO\u2093 and SO\u2082 emissions (kg\/m\u00b3)<\/p>\n
LCA follows ISO 14040 & 14044 standards.<\/p>\n
AHP ranks materials based on:
\n– Environmental impact (CO\u2082, NO\u2093, SO\u2082 emissions, energy use)
\n– Cost analysis (initial, maintenance, operational, and end-of-life)<\/p>\n
Materials are compared pairwise, and weights are assigned to each factor based on their importance.<\/p>\n
We test the reliability of the rankings by analyzing variations in energy consumption, CO\u2082 emissions, and costs under different scenarios.<\/p>\n