Athena releases new version of its acclaimed whole-building LCA software

ID=1867 :: post_name=impact-estimator-for-buildings-version-5-0-build-01-press-release :: post_title=Athena releases new version of its acclaimed whole-building LCA software :: post_status=publish :: post_type=post :: post_category=Array

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June 30, 2014

New options in the Impact Estimator v5 include Green Roofs and LEED-specific reporting for design teams seeking green building program LCA credits

The Impact Estimator is a free and compliant whole building LCA software for architects and designers seeking the Whole Building LCA credits in LEED®v4, Green Globes®, the International Green Construction Code (IgCC), and the California Green Building Standard Code (CALGreen).

Requiring no special expertise to use, the software allows construction industry professionals to explore the environmental footprint of different material choices and core-and-shell system options. It provides a cradle-to-grave life cycle inventory profile for a whole building, reflecting the flows from and to nature: energy and raw materials flows plus emissions to air, water and land.

Version 5 of the Impact Estimator for Buildings offers a number of new materials users have been asking for, including green roofs and insulated metal panels. Version 5 also includes a new location (Portland, Oregon), a variety of data updates (e.g., for electricity generation and consumption), and assembly changes.

Specifically for design teams seeking green building program LCA credits, the latest version of the Impact Estimator incorporates new Green Globes and LEED project level reports.

Version 5, available here, includes the following enhancements and updates:

  • New green roof components available in roof envelope choices
  • New insulated metal panel options for both roofing materials and wall claddings
  • New concrete block size options available in extra basic materials
  • New location – Portland, Oregon – selectable from among 17 North American locations/regions
  • New tables and graphs reporting in accordance with the latest whole building LCA standards
  • New Green Globes and LEED v4 project level and comparison reports
  • New Bill of Materials by Assembly Group report
  • Updated wide flange section beam algorithms
  • Updated purchased electricity profiles on a regional, national and North American inter-tie level
  • Updated transportation by truck profiles

More detail on enhancements and updates is available here.

This release was made possible by support from the following: the USDA Forest Products Lab, Forestry Innovation Investment, GAF, KPFF Consulting Engineers, Metal Construction Association, and Athena Institute members (FPInnovations, Cement Association of Canada, Canadian Wood Council, Canadian Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute, American Iron and Steel Institute, American Institute of Steel Construction, Morrison Hershfield, BNIM, and Cornerstone Architecture).

FAQs, video tutorials and user manuals, including the Athena Guide to Whole-Building LCA in Green Building Programs, are available here.

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