Application of the ecosystem approach in Life Cycle Assessment

There has been a search for standardized and coherent methods for evaluating environmental performance in the construction sector. Despite its limitations, LCA has been the most used method to perform this task. Given its potential, this study aims to propose an improvement of the methodological and conceptual framework of the LCA model, focused on assessing the environmental performance of construction materials. The aim is to incorporate the precepts of ecosystem theory to mitigate its flaws. Analyzing the LCA normative and making a conceptual comparison with the ecosystem foundations, it was possible to embody the cascade framework and the impact categories of the ecosystem’s approach in the LCA model. The result was the expansion of the system boundaries and the consolidation of a new characterization model.