Challenge
Manual, time-consuming LCA processes across multiple iterations, with a high risk of errors, especially when receiving models from external partners.
Solution
Real-Time LCA with automated quantity take-off, creating a shared overview and full traceability for all project stakeholders.
Result
Twice as fast LCA calculations, stronger transparency, and sustainability integrated from the very first sketches.
LCA calculations have long been seen as complex and time-consuming by many architects. At Graa Arkitekter, they have turned that challenge into a competitive strength.
With Real-Time LCA, the practice now has a tool that automates quantity take-off and ensures full transparency across all project stakeholders - making it possible to work efficiently with documented sustainability.
From manual processes to automated overview
Before implementing Real-Time LCA, Graa Arkitekter’s LCA workflows were characterised by heavy manual processes and a constant struggle to keep pace with the many iterations a project goes through. On larger projects with frequent changes, the risk of missing an update – and losing accuracy in the calculations – was significant.
“Quantities are always a challenge, because you go through so many iterations. It becomes difficult to manage changes and factor them into the LCA calculations. Keeping an overview required a lot of effort – especially on the larger projects, which tend to have a high volume of changes,” explains Kevin Montero Jensen from Graa Arkitekter.
A particular pain point arose when receiving models from external consultants. This is where the risk of errors and loss of overview was greatest – and where the value of Real-Time LCA has proven most significant.
“We work twice as fast on LCA calculations since adopting Real-Time LCA.” - Kevin Montero, Graa Arkitekter
A single source of truth for every stakeholder
With Real-Time LCA, Graa Arkitekter now has a solution that not only automates quantity take-off, but also creates a shared foundation for everyone involved in a project.
“The most important advantage is being able to share a 360-degree overview so that everyone is working from the same truth. It creates full traceability and transparency for all parties about what is being built – and what the LCA calculations show,” says Kevin.
The automated quantity take-off dramatically reduces manual effort and minimises the risk of errors when receiving models from external partners. This is precisely where the practice has seen the greatest gain.
Graa Arkitekter has also shifted when in the project lifecycle sustainability enters the conversation. Kevin is clear on this point:
“Start early by understanding the climate impact of the building, identify the main drivers of emissions, and do scenario planning for how and where they can be reduced. Involve all stakeholders in the decisions from the outset – so they are made transparently and together,” he emphasises.
“We can give everyone the same overview and the same truth. It creates transparency for all parties about what is being built – and what the LCA calculations show.” - Kevin Montero, Graa Arkitekter
Measurable results and a new way of working
Since implementing Real-Time LCA, Graa Arkitekter has achieved tangible improvements:
- LCA calculations completed twice as fast compared to before.
- Automated quantity take-off significantly reduces the risk of errors – particularly when receiving models from external parties.
- Full traceability and transparency ensures all stakeholders work from the same data.
- Sustainability is now a natural part of the design process from the earliest sketches.
- Stronger, more informed dialogue with clients on material choices and climate targets.