prEN 15978

Sustainability of construction works - Assessment of environmental performance of buildings - Requirements and guidance

Publication date:   May 2, 2024

Scope

This document specifies the calculation method, based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and other quantified environmental information, to assess the environmental performance of a building and its site, and gives the means for the reporting and communication of the outcome of the assessment. The standard is applicable to new and existing buildings and refurbishment projects.
The document gives:
- the description of the object of assessment,
- the system boundary that applies at the building level,
- the procedure to be used for the inventory analysis,
- the list of indicators and procedures for the calculation of these indicators,
- demand for information concerning environmental impacts and aspects at the local environment level (including emissions to indoor air),
- demand for information concerning building generated energy reporting and design for circularity as technical characteristics that support environmental performance,
- the requirements for the data necessary for the calculation, and
- the requirements for presentation of the results in reporting and communication.
The approach to the assessment covers all stages of the building life cycle and is based on data obtained from Environmental Product Declarations (EPD), their “information modules” (EN 15804:2012+A2:2019) and other data and information necessary and relevant for carrying out the assessment. The assessment includes all building related construction products, processes and services, used over the life cycle of the building.
Methodologies for and approaches to the interpretation and the making of value judgments of the results of the assessment are not within the scope of this document.
NOTE 1 This document provides system boundaries, calculation rules and indicators to compile and assess the life cycle inventory and life cycle environmental impacts of buildings.
NOTE 2 The document also provides the methodological basis and assessment rules to support the achievement of environment related macro objectives in Europe and instruments such as the European reporting framework Level(s). More information can be found at Level(s) (europa.eu).