DesignBUILD 2015 to feature life cycle assessment seminars

DesignBUILD 2015, a trade event for professionals in the architecture, design and building industries, will take place from 28-30 April at the Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park. This year’s event will include a series of seminars hosted by the Australian Life Cycle Assessment Society (ALCAS), featuring the latest developments in the fast-growing field of life cycle assessment (LCA) in the built environment.

Hosted by industry professionals, ‘Life Cycle Design - A strong foundation for sustainable buildings’ will feature three sessions and include the Australian launch of the new Australasian Environmental Product Declaration scheme. ALCAS President Rob Rouwette explained, “An internationally accepted and aligned Environmental Product Declaration scheme sets in place best practice standards for environmental claims that provide greater transparency and helps avoid vague, unsupported green claims.”

The society will also launch the LCA practitioner certification scheme, which aims to promote better quality LCA practice and give Australian businesses confidence in local LCA practitioners. Data and tools for whole-of-building assessment, including more life cycle inventory data through AusLCI and a best practice guide to impact assessment in Australia, will offer insights into the business opportunities that emerge from transforming to a more sustainable society.

Green building specialists will present the latest evolution in LCA for the building and construction industry, Green Star LCA and EPD credits. They will share latest developments and future directions for EPD credits, including tips for success and how to avoid the pitfalls, and discuss how a systematic approach to combating climate change and promoting sustainability is key to achieving a low-carbon economy.

Conference tickets are available at www.conference.alcas.asn.au. To register for the expo, visit http://designbuildexpo.com.au/.