Environmental impact calculations, life cycle cost analysis

Abstract

This session explored the evaluation and characterization of the sustainability of thermo-active geotechnical systems. Thermo-active geotechnical systems take advantage of shallow geothermal energy by using the foundation of a structure as a heat source and sink for use with a ground source heat pump. Methods for their evaluation within a sustainability framework still need to be developed. This can be done within larger regulatory frameworks such as the Code for Sustainable Homes. The Life Cycle Analysis methodology has been used to examine nonthermo-active geotechnical systems using both embodied carbon and embodied energy as metrics. Life Cycle Analyses have also been performed on ground-source heat pumps and can provide valuable insight into the indirect operational environmental impacts of thermo-active geotechnical systems.

A case study of the sizing and optimisation of an energy pile foundation (Rosborg, Denmark)

“…Relative to BHEs, energy piles have lower initial costs [4,5], their potential to minimise the overall environmental impact of a structure has been demonstrated [6] and their contribution towards zero energy buildings has been suggested too [7].…”