Life Cycle Analysis"The environmental impact of a building extends from global factors, such as ozone layer depletion, to the quality of the environment within the property. These impacts arise from decisions made at all stages of life building construction, including materials production, site selection, design, construction, occupancy and, finally, demolition” Source: Greener Buildings, environmental impact of properties - Stuart Johnson. An Environmental Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) report a careful society and pressure from governments, NGOs (non-governmental organisations) and the general public is being brought to bear on all aspects of the industry to become 'greener' ". The construction industry has a large impact on the environment both in the construction and subsequent phases. future life of the buildings, as stated in Stuart Johnson's opening statement above. Like all industries, the construction industry as a whole has and continues to devise ways in which the relationship between the built and natural environments can improve. One such development is the technique of environmental life cycle analysis. Life cycle analysis Life cycle analysis is used to explore the life cycle of a building material. It is computer-based and its methodology was developed by the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC). Life cycle analysis will show the environmental impacts of different materials at different stages of their life, from material extraction through processing, production, use, maintenance and disposal. An example of the type of software used in LCA is SimaPro 3.0, developed by PRe Consultants in the Netherlands. SimaPro provides information on the generation of pollutants and the following environmental effects of different materials and is measured using eco-points. general environment* ecological degradation resulting from raw material extraction* recycled content* pollution resulting from manufacturing* CO2 released during production and embodied energy* transportation implications* durability (life to replacement)* recycling and disposal" Source: Specification for greener buildings - Stephen Curw..... middle of paper ...... 1993( CHIP ) HMSO* Specification for environmental management systems. BS7750: 1992. BSI.* Environmental policy RIBA and information for members. Peter Smith. RIBA 1995. Conclusion It is clear that there is a great need for environmental life cycle analysis if companies in the construction sector are to slow down hands and accept responsibility for the enormous environmental impact caused by the building and support full life cycle analysis of as many materials as possible, they must also design for the long term and not just for short-term gains. BIBLIOGRAPHY Life Cycle Analysis of Homes - Maf Smith Building for a Future - Autumn 1995 Specifying to be Greener Buildings - Stephen Curwell Architects Journal - January 1996 Building Cost Planning 6th ed. - Douglas J. Ferry and Peter S. Brandon Blackwell Science - 1991Environmental Impact Assessment: A Comparative Review - Wood Spon - 1995Buildings and Health (The Rosehaugh Guide) - March & Venables RIBA Publications - 1990Green Architecture - Vale & Vale Thames and Hudson - 1991BREEAM 1/93 New Offices.