A Comprehensive Review of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Studies in Roofing Industry: Current Trends and Future Directions

Abstract

The building sector is crucial in keeping the environment healthy, mainly because of its energy and material usage. Roofs are one of the most important components to consider, as they not only shield the building from the elements but also have a big impact on the environment. The paper provides a state-of-the-art review of the life cycle assessment (LCA) application in the roofing industry. The review examines three main focus areas: (1) LCA of different roofing materials, (2) LCA of roofing systems, and (3) whole-building LCA. Key takeaways from the literature review demonstrate that there is significant variability in LCA methods and impact categories assessed across roofing studies. Only a few studies have explored the complete urban scale in LCA assessments of roofing components. Future research can include utilizing the potential of LCA at urban scales, which can offer a full understanding of the environmental impacts associated with roofing materials in urban settings.