Development of a Heritage Life Cycle Assessment (H-LCA) framework: Integrating sustainability metrics and cultural preservation in heritage buildings

This study explores the integration of sustainability in heritage buildings, focusing on the unique challenges posed by traditional construction methods and materials. Using eight heritage buildings from Strovolos, Cyprus, as case studies, the research evaluates their environmental performance through a tailored Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). These buildings, spanning from the Ottoman era to the mid-20th century, represent diverse architectural styles and traditional materials, such as adobe, stone, and lime plaster. The methodology encompasses three components: the development of a Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) for primary materials, a gap analysis of the European Commission’s Level(s) framework, and proposals for adapting the framework to heritage-specific needs. The LCI evaluates cradle-to-gate processes, revealing the minimal environmental impact of non-industrialized, traditional methods. However, the absence of standardized indicators for heritage materials highlights the limitations of conventional LCA approaches. Initial findings underscore the inherent sustainability of traditional materials due to their local sourcing and low embodied energy. The gap analysis identifies deficiencies in the Level(s) framework for assessing heritage buildings, such as the lack of indicators for cultural value and restoration energy impacts. Proposed adaptations include new metrics addressing these gaps, offering a comprehensive approach to balancing sustainability with heritage preservation.