Sustainability Performance Assessment for Buildings throughout their Life Cycle using the EU Level(s) Framework

Abstract

In accordance with the existing sustainability goals, the European Commission introduced the Level(s) assessment framework in 2018 to be a uniform framework for evaluating the sustainability performance of residential and office buildings for both new and renovation projects, thereby uniting the construction industry all over Europe. Many Green Building Rating Systems (GBRS) have been extensively created in recent years to support the sustainability of construction projects, introducing new possibilities for various stakeholders and investors. This research aimed to conduct a full assessment of sustainability performance utilizing the Level(s) Framework approach according to its Beta version 1.0. The key aims of the study were as follows: - To critically examine the simplicity/complexity of the sustainability assessment process and how it is connected to the tools of life cycle assessment. - To analyze the feasibility of the assessment process for persons without professional training in life cycle assessment or the Level(s) framework. - To examine the advantages and drawbacks of Level(s) as a framework for the assessed projects. The thesis consists of a qualitative part, including an extensive literature review and a full chapter dedicated to defining the Level(s) framework, followed by a quantitative part that consists of the case study, followed by a comprehensive analysis of the process as well as its findings. The thesis concludes with a final discussion, conclusion, and future recommendations. The Level(s) assessment process proved to be a twofold experience having both its benefits as well as drawbacks. Using Level(s) is a very engaging, informative, and educational experience. However, it was also an arduous experience which turned out to be more complicated than anticipated.