College - Author 1
College of Architecture and Environmental Design
Department - Author 1
Construction Management Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Construction Management
Date
12-2025
Primary Advisor/Subject Matter Expert (SME)
Maryam Kouhi, College of Architecture and Environmental Design, Construction Management Department
Abstract/Summary
Traditional concrete construction carries a high carbon footprint, motivating interest in lower-impact alternatives such as prefabricated modular timber systems. This project conducts a process-based life cycle assessment (LCA) using OpenLCA to evaluate the environmental impacts of a modular timber building. Material quantities from major processes were modeled as flow inputs and converted into standardized OpenLCA units. Impact categories—including acidification potential, human toxicity, and energy/resource use—were analyzed to determine which materials and processes contribute most to overall environmental burden. Results show that transportation and plumbing materials drive the largest acidification impacts, while interior finishes dominate human toxicity. This LCA establishes a baseline for comparing alternative construction systems and highlights key opportunities to reduce the environmental footprint of modular timber buildings.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/cmsp/925
Poster Board