College - Author 1
College of Architecture and Environmental Design
Department - Author 1
Construction Management Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Construction Management
Date
3-2026
Primary Advisor/Subject Matter Expert (SME)
Shantanu Kumar, College of Architecture and Environmental Design, Construction Management Department
Abstract/Summary
This study presents a detailed process-based life cycle assessment and life cycle cost analysis of selected building systems within a prefabricated mass timber residential unit constructed through an interdisciplinary design build project at California Polytechnic State University. The research focuses specifically on exterior envelope systems electrical infrastructure and major appliances. Material quantities were derived from a comprehensive construction material takeoff and modeled in OpenLCA using the ecoinvent database. A cradle to site system boundary including modules A1 through A5 was applied to quantify embodied environmental impacts such as global warming potential acidification fossil fuel depletion and human toxicity. Results indicate that mechanical electrical and plumbing systems contribute disproportionately to embodied carbon compared to structural timber components. Life cycle costing further revealed that the highest cost division did not correspond to the highest environmental burden. The findings demonstrate the value of integrating environmental and financial analysis early in design to identify environmental hotspots and inform sustainable decision making in modular residential construction.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/cmsp/996
Poster Board
Included in
Construction Engineering Commons, Construction Engineering and Management Commons, Environmental Design Commons