A newly developed life cycle inventory (LCI) database for commonly used structural steel components

The use of steel within the construction sector has enabled the delivery of larger-volume and more complex-shaped structures, while life cycle assessment (LCA) has been introduced as a pro-active design tool to ensure their sustainability. As LCA efficiency greatly depends on the life cycle inventory (LCI) data used, it is the purpose of the current research to present detailed structural steel LCI data and thus increase environmental benefits deriving from the effective use of LCA within construction. Hot-rolled structural steel members were chosen as the research starting point and the necessary information was provided by the leading structural steel manufacturer in Greece. Results include a list of environmental inputs and outputs, which can be used within relevant LCA studies and environmental impact assessment. Critical issues hindering the use of LCA were identified, along with the most environmentally damaging production stages and environmental categories mainly burdened. A new methodology for assessment results comparison was also applied