Guidance to Building Sustainability Assessment Tool

(Building-SAT)

©Copyright - Team Building-SAT

Sustainable Engineering Research Group

Department of Civil Engineering,

Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT),

10115, Sri Lanka

4th February 2022

Acknowledgements

It has taken nearly two years to complete this project and there are many parties who
contributed to the success in numerous ways.

This project was funded by National Research Council of Sri Lanka with an Investor driven grant
(grant number-19-019) as well as Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (grant number-
GSR/RG/FE/2018/11)

In addition, key efforts by the Team BUILDING-SAT in designing the tools structure and project
implementation, compiling of an up-to-date comprehensive material, machinery, transport, and
other special databases was not an easy task. Databases were finalized after a rigorous
verification process. Team Building-SAT greatly appreciates the support extended by the
following for the successes of the project in numerous ways.
Support with the database
Suraweera Muhandiramge Dona Vidarshi Suraweera
Satharasinghe Arachchige Don Daham Udana Satharasinghe
Widana Pathiranage Sachintha Sulochana Wijesiri
Kalindu Adithya Rohanadheera
Badana Mudiyanselage Sharon Ama Jayasuriya
Athapaththu Mudiyanselage Nethmi Vindya Athapaththu
Samaraweera Arachchige Dinuri Chamathka Smaraweera
Wickrama Arachchige Ravindie Yasangi Tilkaratne
Tariq Rashard Muthaliph
Wanasinghe Arachchige Supipi Anuththara Wanasinghe
Thennakoon Mudiyanselage Kavishka Madhusanka Dasanayaka

Logo design - Sajith Karunaratne

 What is Building-SAT?

Building-SAT (Building – Sustainability Assessment Tool) is a comprehensive cradle to grave

Whole Building Life cycle Assessment tool estimating the Global Warming Potential (GWP) in
kgCO2 – eq of the building over the full life cycle.
A comprehensive review of all the most widely used tools in the different regions of the world
were thoroughly studied to identify the whole building LCA software tool requirements (Please
refer to the review article published for more information-
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0360132322000336).
In addition to the global standard construction processes, typical Sri Lankan building sector
construction and installation practices were also incorporated after a detailed study of upstream
and downstream processes. Following a hybrid life cycle process, Building-SAT can analyze all
the four main life cycle stages of a building project;
1. production (cradle to gate imparts of raw material extraction and building material
manufacturing)
2. construction (transportation of building, onsite installation)
3. operation (maintenance and repair)
4. End of life (deconstruction, salvage and landfill).

Building- SAT allows users to analyze any type of building ranging from apartment complexes,
office buildings to residential buildings and so on. New constructions, refurbishments and already
existing buildings can be evaluated using Building- SAT. It methodically guides and allows the user
to carry out an Environmental Life Cycle Assessment on a chosen building structure in an
approach where both the products and processes are accounted for in a user-friendly manner.
This is achieved by enabling the user to input the required data derived from a Bill of Quantities
(BOQ) and relevant construction/ structural drawings, phase wise; Construction phase, Operation
phase and Demolition phase. Building- SAT has several integrated databases (material,
machinery, transportation vehicles etc.) which are regularly updated.
 STEP BY STEP GUIDE TO USE THE Building-SAT

A. User Registration
Step 1 – Finding the correct link
Open your web browser and type in “Building – SAT’’ to search for the tool. The following set of
results will appear (Figure 1). Choose the very first search result.

Figure 1. Search the tool

Step 2 – First look at Building-SAT website
You will be directed to the Building – SAT website.
The website will provide a brief background to the Building-SAT tool. Additionally, you will have
access to the tool itself, frequently asked questions, details about the creators and help videos
and documents to guide you throughout the tool.
Figure 2. Website
Step 3 – First look at Building – SAT tool
Proceed to access the Building – SAT tool by clicking the tab “Use Building-SAT”.
You will be directed to the Log-in page of the Building – SAT tool.
On the right-hand top corner, you will see the following tabs. ‘’Sign- up’’ button can be used to
register if you are a new user. ‘’Log out’’ button if you wish to log out from your account.
‘’Help’’ button allows you to access the Frequently Asked Questions, Help videos and Contact
us. “About’’ button will redirect you to the Building-SAT website.

Figure 3. Access Building-SAT tool

Step 4 – Register as a new user
As a first-time user you will need to Sign-up as a new user to the tool. Click on the Sign-up
button on your right-hand side top corner.

Figure 4. login page for the users

Step 5 – Filling the Register form

You will be directed to fill the form to Sign – up as a new user (figure 3).
Fill in the required details very carefully which includes your Full Name/ Email address/ Type of
user/ Company name/ Phone number/ Country/ Password and Confirm your password. You can
choose to get updates of the tool via a newsletter if you wish to.
Proceed to click the ‘’Register’’ button.
Congratulations! Now you have successfully registered to use the Building- SAT.
Figure 5. Registration page of the user
Step 6 – Logging in as an old user/ Forgot your password/ Terms and conditions
Upon clicking the ‘’Register’’ button, you will automatically be logged into your Building-SAT
account.
If you are an old user with an already registered account, you are required to use your E-mail
address and Password (that you used to register for the first time) to login to your Building –
SAT account.
The ‘’Remember me’’ feature allows you to let the log in details be remembered so that you
don’t have to type in the details every time you log in.
If you forgot your password, you can use the “Forgot your password’’ option. This will allow you
to enter an email address to which a password reset link will be sent.
You can also read our Terms and Conditions if you click on the hyperlink.

Step 7- Inside the Building – SAT tool

Once you login to your account, you will see the screen in figure 4.
On your right-hand side top corner, you will see the following tabs.
“Dashboard’’ is the page you are at right now. “About’’ will redirect you back to the Building-
SAT website. “Help” allows you to access the FAQs, Help videos and contact us. ‘’Logout’’
button allows you to log out from your account at any time.
On your left-hand side, you will see the list of projects you create.
Figure 6. Building-SAT dash board

B. Creating a new project

Step 8 –Creating a new project/Deleting a project
You can create a new project by clicking on the “Create project’’ button.

Figure 7. Dashboard with the projects created

The form regarding project details will appear (Figures 6a and b).
The information you fill in this form has to be very precisely and carefully completed as this information
cannot be edited later and information you fill here will be used for the back end calculations.

There are small ions (?) which provides you guidance and additional information when you hover over
them.

There are fields that are marked in red. These are mandatory fields to be filled by the user to proceed.

You can use General details of your project along with Architectural drawings/ Structural drawings/
plans related to your project to fill this form.

The following information has been gathered for this sample project;

Project Name – Workshop – Nikaweratiya hospital/ Project type – New construction/ Country – Sri
Lanka/ Location – Kurunegala/Kurunegala/ Building type – Hospitals and healthcare centers/ Building
form – RC frame/ Height (m) – 27.196 m/ No. of floors – 6/ No. of floors above ground – 6/ No. of floors
below ground – 0/ Gross Floor Area (m2) – 6560.8127 m2/ Building Foot print (m2) – 1074.8882 m2/
Building life expectancy – 80 years/ Description/ Upload image.

Note – If a location from the dropdown is chosen i.e Sri Lankan locations, the distance calculations will be
automatically performed in the backend using an integrated “Distance” database. The user does not have
to perform any calculations.

However, if the user enters a foreign location (Outside Sri Lanka), user should take complete responsibility
to calculate all the related distances at each entry and enter it responsibly, as “distance” is a vital value
for the backend CO2 – eq emissions calculations.

Figure 8a. Project registration

Figure 8b. Project registration

Recheck all entered details before you click the “ Create’’ button right at the bottom of the form.

Once you click “Create’’, the project will be created and you will be notified with a dialog box. The
project you created will be listed on your left hand side under “Projects”.

Figure 9. Creating a new project

Note that the maximum number of projects that you can create is 10. When you create the 11th project,
you will be notified that if you want to proceed to create a new project, you will have to delete an old
existing project.

Figure 10. Creating more projects

To delete a project you can either directly click the trash bin icon in line with the project you want to
delete or else you can select the project you want to delete and click the red “Delete” button at the top.
Figure 11. Deleting old projects

Step nine – Editing a project (Brief description on each topic)

To start editing a project, you can click on the hyperlink “Link”, which will redirect you to the project,
where you can start editing (Figure 10).

Figure 10. Start editing your project

You will be directed to the shown page dedicated to your project. Your project name will appear on the
top left hand corner. On the right hand top corner, there are several tabs which allows you to be guided
through the project.

Figure 12. Construction phase>Earthworks

On your right-hand side top corner (figure 11), you will see several tabs;

“General information” tab will allow you to view the general information you entered relating to the
project when you created this project. Reminder- This information can only be viewed, it cannot be
edited.

C. Structure of the Building-SAT and entering inventory data

The Building- SAT provides an intuitive guidance to the user to enter material, machinery, transportation
related inventories under three main phases and associated subphases with relevant activities

Table 1. Overall structure of the Building-SAT

Main Phase Subphase Activities

1. Construction phase Earthworks Site clearance, Soil excavation, Rock

excavation, Backfilling

Substructure Foundation, Retaining walls, Earth support

systems, Formwork, Insulation, Termite
treatment and damp-proof course, Other
concrete works, Mortar in substructure
 Superstructure Walls and facades, Columns, Beams, Floor
slabs, Roof and ceiling, Doors and windows,
Service equipment, Mortar in superstructure

Internal and external Floor finishes, Wall finishes, Roof and ceiling
finishes finishes, Mortar in internal and external
finishes

Construction Site Electricity use on site, Fuel use on site, Water

operations consumption on site, Waste generated

2. Operation phase Energy consumption Electricity used during operation, Fuel used
during operation, Exported energy during
operation

Water consumption Water consumption during operation

Maintenance and Substructure, Superstructure, Internal and

replacement external finishes

3. Demolition phase - Electricity use on site, Fuel use on site,

Chemicals, Landfill and salvage

Considering the project scope, availability of data etc., you may select the main phases, subphases and
activities you wish to include in the assessment. Though Bill of Quantities and structural/architectural
drawings are readily available, for the proposed as well as completed projects, energy and water related
data during construction site operations, building operation and building demolition activities are not so
readily available for projects before project implementation.

Hence, a suitable method should be adopted for such requirements. Team Building -SAT is working on
providing guidelines on how to estimate the machine hours through research. Meanwhile, you may find
the following resources useful.

a. For estimation of Machine hours;

-https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0926580510000312?via%3Dihub

-http://construction2u.blogspot.com/2013/02/how-to-estimate-earthwork-construction.html

-https://itcon.org/papers/2016_3.content.08538.pdf

b. For estimation of energy during site operation (construction);

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/273693109_Estimating_energy_consumption_during_constr
uction_of_buildings_a_contractor's_perspective

c. For estimation of water during site operation (construction);

 ● Assessment of water resource consumption in building construction in India-
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/271423103_Assessment_of_water_resource_consu
mption_in_building_construction_in_India
d. For estimation of energy during operation and maintenance;

Software:

● EnergyPlus™ is a state-of-the-art BEM engine capable of modeling low-energy designs and HVAC
systems, in addition to more conventional buildings.-https://designbuilder.co.uk/simulation
● OpenStudio™ is a software development kit (SDK) that reduces the effort of EnergyPlus-based
application development. It also includes a graphical application that demonstrates use of the SDK.
● Virtual Environment (IES-ve)-https://www.iesve.com/software/building-energy-modeling

Publications

● Building Energy Simulation; A Workbook Using DesignBuilder

V Garg · 2020 · Cited by 14 — The simulations in this workbook are performed using the
DesignBuilder software for illustration purpose to help explain the aspects of a whole-building
https://api.taylorfrancis.com › books › mono › download

● https://www.riigiteataja.ee/en/eli/520102014002/
● Code of Practice for Energy Efficient Buildings (CPEEB) in Sri Lanka (2008)-
http://www.energy.gov.lk/images/energy-management/residential-building-code.pdf
● Guideline for Sustainable Energy Residences in Sri Lanka-
https://rise.esmap.org/data/files/library/sri-
lanka/Energy%20Efficiency/EE%204.3%20Guideline%20for%20Sustainable%20Energy%20Reside
nces%20in%20Sri%20Lanka.pdf

e. For estimation of fresh water demand during operation and maintenance;

● -Use National water supply and drainage board guidelines
● -Study of Urban Water Demand and Distribution System Reliability – A Case Study of
Maharagama Water Supply Scheme, Sri Lanka-
http://dl.lib.uom.lk/bitstream/handle/123/13493/9.pdf?sequence=1&isAllowed=y#:~:te
xt=Average%20per%20capita%20consumption%20is,growth%20of%20population%20as
%20well.
● -Domestic Water Consumption In Sri Lanka; Caracteristics, Patterns and Related Issues-
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/344569311_Domestic_Water_Consumption
_In_Sri_Lanka_Caracteristics_Patterns_and_Related_Issues
 f. For estimation of energy and chemicals during demolition;
● Energy consumption of RC buildings during their life cycle -
https://www.irbnet.de/daten/iconda/CIB_DC24603.pdf
● LCA of the Demolition of a Building-
https://publications.lib.chalmers.se/records/fulltext/164270.pdf
● Technical Guidelines on Building Demolition Work in Sri Lanka-
https://www.nbro.gov.lk/images/download/Draft_Technical_Guidelines_on_Building_D
emolition_Work_in_Sri-Lanka.pdf

Figure 13. General information

“Construction phase” tab allows the user to enter the material, machinery and transport entries related
to the construction stage of the project under the following sub phases – Earthworks, Substructure,
Superstructure, Internal and external finishes, Construction site operations. For further clarity and ease,
each sub phase is further broken down to activities under which the users can enter their entries as
shown in Table 1. Results can be viewed by the user for each sub phase either in the form of a Table or
chart.

Figure 13

“Operation phase’’ is broken down to the following sub phases – Energy consumption, water
consumption, maintenance and replacement. Sub phases are further broken down to sub activities.
Results can be viewed by the user for each sub phase either in the form of a Table or chart.

Figure 14.
”Demolition phase” is categorized into the following sub activities – Electricity use on site, Fuel use on
site, Chemicals, Landfill and salvage. Results can be viewed by the user for each sub phase either in the
form of a Table or chart.

Figure 15.

“Manage Project resources” is a feature that allows the user to add new material, machinery and
transport to the database, whenever the exact choice of material, machinery or transport the user is
looking for is not available in our database.

The new material, machinery and transport entries made to the database by the user will only be made
available for that particular project of that particular user only.

This feature will be further elaborated while running the project.

Figure 16.

“Results” shows the overall results for the project. It will be shown phase wise ; Construction phase,
Operation phase, Demolition phase and how materials, machinery, transport, energy and water have
contributed to the kgCO2 – eq value obtained by the project. Additionally a summary of the whole
project results is displayed for the user where the total kgCO2 – eq values contributed by materials,
machinery, transport, energy and water are separately shown along with a kgCO2 – eq/m2/ year value
for the considered project. Results can be viewed by the user for each phase either in the form of a
Table or chart. Furthermore, another feature called “Recommendations” allows the user to choose from
a list of recommendations to make the considered project more sustainable.

Figure 17

Step ten – Data entry

Now we can start entering the data. For this you require your detailed BOQ to be summarized and
sorted to make the task of making entries much easier.

CONSTRUCTION PHASE

Construction phase> Earthworks

You can collapse or expand the sub activities. To add a new entry, click on the “Add entry” button.
Unless the marked mandatory fields are filled, the user cannot proceed to save the entry. Upon
completion of an entry, it is compulsory that the user saves the entry. This can either be done by
scrolling right to the top of the page and clicking the “Save” button on your top right-hand corner OR by
pressing Ctrl + S. Unless the user saves the entered information, they will not be accounted for in the
results.
Figure 18.

Under Earthworks, you will account for the materials, machinery and transport used during Site
clearance, soil excavation, rock excavation and back filling.

To add an entry for site clearance;

Figure 19.

Make sure that all fields of the entries are filled in the specified units. The difficulty level accounts for
the type of land that is being cleared; low, medium, hard. A factor has been allocated for each difficulty
level which will be incorporated in the back-end calculations. The user can choose from a list of
machinery available from the machinery drop down. If the user wants to view details regarding the
machinery, they can click on the small blue icon (i) at the end of the name of the machinery which will
display a dialog box indicating the specifics of the chosen machinery. This is applicable when choosing a
mode of transport from the drop-down list also.

Depending on the unloading destination chosen, the Total distance will be calculated and displayed for
the user automatically. Similarly, the GWP for the entry will be calculated and displayed in kgCO2 – eq.
Figure 20.

To add an entry for Soil excavation;

Similar to site clearance, enter the quantity for excavation in m3, the difficulty level of soil, the type of
machinery and the machine hours. If spoil is transported out of site, then complete the entry for that
section too.

Figure 21.

To delete/ remove an entry, simply click on the red cross on the right hand top corner of the chosen entry.

Figure 22.

To add an entry in Backfilling;

You are required to choose the type of material for backfilling. You can do this by using the material
dropdown which will show a list of material categories you can choose from. In this case, you can choose
“Backfilling material”. When entering the quantity of the chosen material always ensure that you enter
the quantity in the unit specified in the brackets next to the material category.

Similarly, you can fill the rest of the fields of the entry and complete. Click Ctrl+S or scroll up and press
the save button.

Figure 23.

Construction phase > Substructure

Figure 24

Adding an entry in Foundation

Follow the same procedure when adding an entry. Choose a material from the material drop down and
enter the quantity in the unit specified in the brackets next to the relevant material category. Service life
and Wastage is automatically filled but can be edited by the user where appropriate. Choose the
resource location, after which the user has to choose the mode of transport. If required overseas
transportation information can be added.

Figure 25.

Adding an entry in Retaining walls, Earth support systems, Formwork, Insulation, Termite treatment
and damp-proof course, Other concrete works

A similar method as in foundation has to be followed when adding entries under the above-mentioned
topics.

Adding an entry under Mortar in substructure

The calculations are automated in this section to support Sri Lankan methods of construction. The user
has to enter the dimensions of the wall considered and the calculation will be done automatically.
Additionally, user also has to enter the resource location for cement and sand along with the mode of
transport. The final kgCO2 -eq value for the entry will be displayed.

Figure 27.
Construction phase > Superstructure

Figure 28.

The method of data entry in this section is exactly the same as Substructure.

Construction phase > Internal and external finishes

Figure 29.

The method of data entry in this section is exactly the same as Substructure.
Construction phase > Construction site operations

Figure 30.

In this section the amount of electricity used, fuel used, water used and waste generated should be
quantified and entered. This information would not be available in the BOQ. You may have to refer to
some standards for this section.

OPERATION PHASE

Operation phase > Energy consumption + Water consumption

You may have to refer to relevant standards and even an energy simulation software to obtain accurate
assumptions for this section. The user has to enter the Energy usage and Water consumption during the
operation phase.
Figure 31.

Operation phase > Maintenance and replacement

Taking into consideration the list of material entries made by the user, all materials that have been
flagged for maintenance and replacement in the back end will be displayed under their respective
headings. A backend calculation automatically calculates and displays the number of replacements of
the considered material over the service life. The user can adjust the number of replace if required.

Figure 32.

DEMOLITION PHASE

This section allows the user to enter any material, machinery, transport, energy or water entries related
to the demolition of the structure. The method of data entry is the same as the other energy/ water
sections in the tool.
Figure 33.

Landfill and salvage

Upon analyzing all the material entries made by the user at all stages, a list of materials is generated
under landfill and salvage according to the flagging done in the back end.

The user has to carefully specify the percentage of the total quantity of the material used that should be
salvaged. Upon entering this value automatic calculation is carried out to display the landfill % , salvage
quantity and landfill quantity.

The user is required to specify the Landfill site location and Mode of transport. The distance and the
kgCO2 – eq values will be automatically calculated and displayed to the user.

Figure 34.
Results section

Results are displayed at each subphase to show the contribution of each activity under each subphase.
kgCO2 - eq contributions made by material, machinery, transport, energy and water are displayed for
the user clearly in the form of tables and charts.

Furthermore, under the main results, contributions from each phase is clearly displayed in the form of
tables and charts.

Additionally, a project summary is provided.

A list of recommendations where you can choose suitable improvement methods applicable for the
building.

Manage project resources –

Adding new material

Use this feature when the desired material/ machinery/ mode of transport that you are looking for is
not available in the list of choices/ database.

You can temporarily add a new material/machinery/transport which will be made available for that
specific user and project.

However, if you wish to permanently add a new material/ machinery/transport to the Building-SAT
website, you can contact a Building-SAT team member via bsat.buildinglca@gmail.com

Following a rigorous verification process, the Building-SAT team will add the applicable entries.