Differential Durability and the Life Cycle of Buildings

Abstract

This paper presents findings from research conducted into the differential durability of major components comprising modern buildings, and how this impacts their life cycle energy demand, and hence their sustainability. The purpose of the research is to provide architects with better insights into the life cycle energy implications of material, assembly and system selections. Differential durability is a term used to describe how the useful service life of building components, such as structure, envelope, finishes and services, differs - both between components, and within the materials, assemblies and systems comprising the components. A fuller consideration of recurring embodied energy (maintenance, repair, retrofit and replacement) during the design process has the potential to realize significant opportunities for enhancing the life cycle sustainability of modern buildings. A review of international research generally indicates that with exception to structural elements, all of the other components require varying levels of maintenance, repair and replacement during the life cycle of the building. The extent and intensity of these recurring embodied energy demands vary significantly, depending on how appropriately the durability of materials, assemblies and systems are harmonized, and how accessible they are for periodic maintenance, repair and replacement.