Single Point of Contact: Density as a Mapping Parameter for Building Material Databases

Abstract: Integrating BPA and LCA in design requires accurate material databases interfacing different analysis engines. However, mappings of databases developed for different purposes are missing. We evaluate whether material density can be used as a mapping parameter between LCA, BPA, and structural databases in two cases in Switzerland and Sweden. In total, 16 out of 19 materials could be confidently mapped based on the information available. The variability of the mapping parameter, density, was ± 15% for structural materials, and up to 64% for insulation materials. The lasting contribution of this work is a consistent methodology for mapping between material databases.