University of Waterloo

Purpose

The project aims to develop a Building Information Modeling (BIM)-based LCIA framework to assess and compare the environmental impacts of various strategies for residential buildings in Canada. Focusing on National Building Code (NBC) Part 9 small residential buildings (single and multi-units), it will establish economic analysis methods for cost and time impacts, identify tools for calculating GHG, carbon, water, and embodied energy impacts, and determine data-source gaps to adapt these tools to Canadian economic regions. Using BIM models, the project will set benchmarks and evaluate both off-site and conventional construction solutions over multiple life cycles of materials and building systems. This approach will ensure comprehensive comparisons of emerging construction options, guiding future investments and policy for scalable and low-carbon residential building practices in Canada.