FlectoLine LCA
- Role
- Life cycle assessment
- Project
- Environmental Assessment for Bio-Inspired Responsive Facades (IntCDC AP 74)
- Context
- RTG BioBuild (DFG GRK 3123/1), ITKE, University of Stuttgart
- Principal investigator
- Prof. Dr.-Ing. Jan Knippers
- System
- FlectoLine compliant shading fins
- Scope
- Cradle to cradle, ISO 14040/44, EN 15804+A2
- Tools
- SimaPro, ecoinvent
- Status
- Ongoing
Two versions of the same moving shading fin, built from different materials and installed on the same facade. Which one is better for the planet, and why?
FlectoLine is a compliant shading system developed at ITKE: its fins open and close by bending, without hinges. The demonstrator facade carries two material variants of the same component, a thermoset glass-fibre composite and a thermoplastic glass-fibre organosheet. Because both share one facade, one substructure and one control system, the comparison isolates what the material choice really changes.
Approach
The study follows the four ISO 14040/44 stages. It is scoped cradle to cradle, in line with the circular goals of the BioBuild demonstrators, and uses the same database, methods and data vintage for both variants. Impact categories follow the EN 15804+A2 core set, with global warming potential as the headline indicator.
Contribution
Most studies compare a new system with a conventional one. Comparing two variants of the same responsive component shows designers which material decisions matter most while the design can still change. Results will be shared here once published.