⋆ Irene Campo Gay1*, Lars Hvam11 and Johan Ernfors2 1 Technical University of Denmark, Anker Engelunds Vej 101 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark 2 MOKO AB, Humlegårdsgatan 14 114 46 Stockholm, Sweden Abstract This study contributes to the evolving dialog on sustainable practices, emphasizing the strategic integration of life cycle assessment (LCA) in configurators to comply with new regulatory standards and achieve environmental objectives. We investigated the application of configurators integrating LCA through a comparative analysis of two case studies in the construction industry: a prospective approach applied during the early design stages, and a retrospective approach using post-design. Our findings illustrate that prospective LCA configurators can significantly influence early design choices and facilitate preliminary environmental impact assessment. Conversely, a retrospective LCA configuration approach offers more precise and accurate assessments based on finalized designs, enabling detailed LCA reporting and saving significant time and effort. The analysis underscores that the application of these approaches is not mutually exclusive. This suggests that a combined strategy could maximize the potential of these tools. Such a combination would facilitate a more dynamic interaction between the early and later design stages, ensuring that the environmental assessment is thorough and iterative. Additionally, it would help the company gain in-depth insights into the environmental aspects of the design process. Keywords configurators, construction, environmental impact, life cycle assessment (LCA), sustainability 1 1. Introduction product customization [4]. They allow users to select from various options and configurations of a product, Sustainability is widely recognized as a multifaceted automatically adjusting components and features concept encompassing three dimensions: according to user choices. This technology enhances the environmental, social, and economic. Notably, the decision-making process by providing immediate environmental dimension plays a foundational role feedback on potential configurations, thereby given its direct influence on socioeconomic elements [1]. significantly improving speed, quality, and efficiency In assessing environmental impact, particular attention [5]. has been given to the environmental impact of products Additionally, configurators enhance efficiency by and services. One of the most widespread methodologies automating the creation of crucial documents, such as for assessing environmental impact is life cycle quotes and bills of materials. This automation ensures assessment (LCA) [2]. accuracy and consistency in documentation; it is In this context, the European Commission has particularly valuable in complex configurations, where highlighted the urgency of making sustainable products manual processes are prone to errors [6]. the norm across Europe by setting stricter product The integration of LCA with configurator design and lifecycle standards [3]. As a result, the technology is quite promising for enhancing sustainable increasing focus on assessing environmental product development. By embedding environmental performance is evidence of the clear need for digital assessment capabilities in configurators, companies can tools to support this process. provide real-time data on the environmental impacts of Configurators are a widespread technology that various product options. This integration can facilitate a emerged in the late 1970s as decision support systems more informed design, incorporating environmental designed to streamline the specification process during consequences alongside traditional factors, such as ConfWS '24: 26th International Workshop on Configuration, Sep 2–3, © 2023 Copyright for this paper by its authors. Use permitted under Creative Commons License Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0). 2024, Girona, Spain ∗ Corresponding author. ircag@dtu.dk (I. Campo Gay) 0000-0002-8962-5386 (I. Campo Gay); 0000-0002-7617-2971 (L. Hvam) CEUR ceur-ws.org Workshop ISSN 1613-0073 Proceedings pricing. Furthermore, configurators can enhance the helps to understand and improve the environmental communication of environmental assessment results, a performance of current technologies [20, 21]. crucial aspect of LCA [7]. On the other hand, prospective LCA evaluates the Despite the significant potential of this technology, potential environmental impacts of products before they research on the integration of LCA into configurators is are implemented. It is used to guide decision-making still in its early stages. However, over the last five years, during the development phase by predicting future this topic has increasingly captured academic interest, as impacts [20, 21]. reflected in numerous recent publications [8–19]. Moreover, no research has examined the different 2.2. Configurators and sustainability implications of LCA in either a prospective or The increasing focus on environmental considerations retrospective manner within the context of in the use of configurators has become a significant area configurators. This gap in the literature leads to the of interest over the past five years. This trend is following research question: noticeable in the academic community and across RQ: What are the implications of a proactive and various industries. For instance, standard product retrospective of life cycle assessment through configuration software applications such as Tacton CPQ configurators? are developing their environmental impact assessment We examined two different case studies of capabilities by incorporating LCA features into their companies that have successfully developed applications [22]. configurators with LCA. The first case study involved Various researchers have also turned their attention using this technology during the early design phase to to this subject in the academic sector. Given the novelty evaluate various design alternatives. The second case of the topic, the range of issues discussed in these studies study described how a configurator, used over finalized regarding the integration of LCA and configurators is designs, enables precise and accurate LCA. Both case quite diverse, demonstrating the broad scope of the field. studies pertain to the same sector: the construction Hankammer et al. [13] extensively reviewed over industry. 900 configurators, providing valuable insights into We explored these case studies to assess and enhancing sustainability features across sectors. compare their impacts, thereby contributing to the Responding to the need for streamlined LCA research community’s understanding of how assessments, Spreafico et al. [8] introduced I-Tree, a tool configurators can be effectively employed to improve that leverages real-time data for efficient eco- environmental development. assessment. Similarly, Rousseau et al. [10] explored the The structure of this paper is as follows. In Section impact of environmental indicators in configurators, 2, we present the theoretical background of LCA focusing mainly on sustainability enhancement in 3D typologies in terms of application timing. and we review printing. the academic research conducted on configurators, To address the nexus between product variety and integrating LCA considerations. In Section 3, we sustainability, Medini et al. [9] proposed a describe the methodology used for analyzing the comprehensive framework, while Wiezorek and comparative case studies, and we introduce both case Christensen [14] focused on refining configurator studies. In Section 4, we present the findings from the architectures to enable better sustainability data analysis, and in Section 5, we discuss the implications of communication. In consumer electronics, Hankammer the results. Finally, in Section 6, we summarize the key et al. [11] found that default sustainable options conclusions. significantly influence consumption patterns. Campo Gay et al. [18] analyzed the successful integration of 2. Theoretical background LCA into configurators, guiding users toward 2.1. Prospective and retrospective LCA sustainable choices. Focusing on sustainability integration, Christensen and Wiezorek [12] aligned The use of LCA is subject to different contexts and can configurators with ISO 14040 standards, while Campo be driven by distinct aims and goals. In terms of the time Gay and Hvam [17] demonstrated the transformative perspective, LCA can be divided into two primary impact of sustainability-focused configurators, categories [20, 21]. On the one hand, retrospective LCA particularly in construction. is aimed at assessing the effects of something that Regarding configurators’ development, Piroozfar et occurred; on the other hand, prospective LCA is a al. [16] discussed solutions tracking environmental forward-looking approach [20, 21]. impact, while Helo et al. [15] introduced software Retrospective LCA evaluates the environmental streamlining environmental assessments in supply impacts of existing products based on actual data. It chains. Moreover, Jakobsen et al.’s [19] call to redesign product configuration systems for better sustainability integration tied these efforts together, portraying a For the company described in the second case, we concerted push toward deeper sustainability began with an initial semistructured interview based on considerations in configuration processes across sectors. the main research question. This was followed by six All of these efforts highlight a strong trend toward semistructured interviews to understand the company’s deepening sustainability considerations within working processes and configuration systems. We configuration processes. finalized our analysis with a review of the results by one of the main configurator developers at the company. 3. Methods 3.2. Case company 1 Given that the advancement of configurators incorporating LCA is still at an early stage, elucidating The company is a subsidiary of a large international their full potential and application is a notable challenge. corporation that operates in Sweden and has To address this gap, we conducted a qualitative case approximately 350 employees. It specializes in study analysis comparing two distinct applications of developing, manufacturing, and marketing cement for configurator systems within the construction industry. infrastructure, such as roads, tunnels, bridges, and Our objective was to delve deeply into their utilization residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. of LCA and compare their effectiveness to gain in-depth Recognizing the upcoming regulations that will take insights. effect in 2025, which impose limitations on new As highlighted by previous research [23,24], case construction projects, the company saw the need for an studies are essential for understanding the key variables, early design tool to assist in this process. They the connections between them, and the reasons behind developed an LCA configuration to facilitate and these relationships. promote environmentally friendly design options in the We identified two case companies using initial stages of projects when decisions are more configurators for environmental impact assessment, flexible and have fewer resource implications. This tool employing standard LCA methodology. These assists users in the educational process, encouraging the companies operate within the construction sector in consideration of less conventional options and more Sweden. environmentally sustainable solutions. The main reasons are first, that, according to the Given the high level of uncertainty in decision- United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the making during the early design phase of projects, a building and construction industry stands as the most preliminary LCA was performed. In addition to serving polluting industry sector, responsible for 38% of all as a decision support tool to address the complexity of energy-related CO2 -eq emissions [25]. Consequently, environmental and technical requirements, the tool was the construction sector has played a pioneering role in modeled to quantify LCA to determine the margin of shaping standards and regulations, as exemplified by the safety concerning maximum statutory limits. European standard EN 15804 for environmental product The company has collaborated with external declarations [26], aligned with international LCA consultants over the past four years to develop this tool, methodology standards ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 [7,27]. reaching the final testing phase in the first quarter of Second, Sweden has been a leading country in terms 2024. Ownership of the tool was transferred to the of introducing new policies and regulations for the company during the second quarter of 2024, with full construction sector. Currently, it is compulsory to integration into the company’s workflow scheduled for declare an LCA on new buildings, and beginning in 2025, completion by June 2024. new projects must adhere to statutory limits on CO2-eq emission per m2 per year across the life cycle [28]. 3.3. Case company 2 Consequently, all these factors motivate the The company is a small enterprise that has been based construction sector in Sweden to seek out new tools and in Sweden since 2018 and employs 35 people. It solutions to support their initiatives and make the specializes in designing and planning the construction studied companies ideal case studies. aspects of projects. The company uses a configuration system approach to streamline its building design 3.1. Data gathering process, which optimizes the overall process. To analyze the first case company, we conducted a series In response to new regulations requiring LCA of systematic observations of the configuration process. declarations for construction projects since 2022, the We evaluated the experiences of the primary company has integrated LCA evaluation into its configurator implementor involved in the project over a established configurators. To facilitate this, the company period of four years. uses a commercial solution named One Click LCA, a leading cloud-based software solution for Table 1 Table 2 Company Case 1: Early Design Stage Configurator Company Case 2: Post-Design Specification of Usage (Prospective) Configurator Usage (Retrospective) Aspect Description Aspect Description Stage of use Used in the very early design Stage of use Used after the building design stages for planning is finalized Main purpose of the To make environmentally Main purpose of To create detailed LCA reports LCA integration conscious decisions and the LCA compare different solutions integration LCA approach Prospective, integrating LCA LCA Approach Retrospective, LCA applied to from the start of a design finalized designs Output Overview of environmental Output Detailed environmental impact impacts and technical reports based on specific aspects materials used and their Required Preliminary technical quantities configuration inputs requirements and Required High-level drawing environmental priorities configuration specifications LCA integration During the configuration. input kind with the LCA integration After configuration, based on configurator kind with the the automatic generation of Impact on the Significant influence over configurator specifications (i.e., a part list design process the design approach with quantities), the LCA is Environmental Screening LCA, preliminary performed through an external focus impact assessments tool (One Click LCA). Suitability for New projects with undefined Impact on the No or minimal impact on the Projects design parameters design process design. creating Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) Environmental Detailed LCA, focusing on the and LCA reports for building materials and products. Focus quantifiable impacts of Consequently, the company has updated its materials configuration system to automatically generate a Suitability for Projects with set designs comprehensive material list with detailed material Projects needing LCA reflection quantities in kilograms. These data can then be In contrast, Table 2 presents the case of Company 2, seamlessly processed by One Click LCA and integrated where the application is used after the design has been into the company’s database to produce comprehensive finalized, adhering to a retrospective approach. EPDs. Subsequently, we examined the implications of choosing either a prospective or a retrospective 4. Results approach to how a new company’s resources, design process, and overall strategy for sustainability are First, we characterized how each application on the impacted. This should help in understanding the configurator integrating LCA capabilities works and strategic differences between these two approaches. impacts the building design process, focusing on when Table 3 outlines the considerations for a prospective they are used, what outputs they produce, and their approach, whereas Table 4 details the considerations for ultimate influence on design decisions and a retrospective approach when LCA is integrated into environmental assessments. configurators. It is important to note that retrospective Table 1 illustrates the case of Company 1. The design is considered viable only for companies that application is employed during the early design stage of have already implemented configurators. Implementing the building process, representing a prospective a retrospective approach without pre-existing approach. configurators would be significantly costly and inefficient. Table 3 Table 4 Considerations for a Prospective Approach to Considerations for a Retrospective Approach to Configurators Integrating LCA Configurators Integrating LCA Feature Evaluation Explanation Feature Evaluation Explanation Iterative Yes Facilitates Iterative No The LCA design iterative design design evaluation occurs adjustments once the during early configuration is stages finalized Approach to Prospective Used to influence Approach to Retrospective Used after design design initial design design choices are made choices and Accuracy High Calculations are integrate LCA detailed, based on Accuracy Low Estimates are precise broad and based information on preliminary Influence in None or The LCA is data design minimal carried out to Influence in High Can significantly reflect on the design alter design design rather outcomes than modify it LCA is the Yes The primary aim LCA is the No LCA is secondary main aim of is to guide main aim of and happens the environmentally the thanks to the configurator conscious design configurator configuration Further No Standalone use Further Yes Requires integrations for initial design integrations integration with stages One Click LCA Resource High Requires the Resource Low Utilizes existing investment in development of a investment in configurator developing the LCA focused developing configurator configurator the Cost Medium/High Licenses and configurator running cost of Cost Medium/High While the configurator tool configurator is in place, there are costs for licenses on external LCA databases. 5. Discussion practices. We explored the use of configurators integrating LCA at different stages of the design process A prospective approach in configurators integrating through two contrasting case studies, a prospective and LCA allows for the early detection and mitigation of a retrospective LCA approach in the construction environmental impacts. In contrast, a retrospective industry. approach ensures that these mitigations are based on By employing prospective and retrospective LCA precise, real-world data, ultimately enhancing the tools, companies can achieve a more thorough accuracy and reliability of environmental assessments. understanding of environmental impacts at different Despite the benefits of a prospective configurator project stages, leading to more informed decision- integrating LCA, the higher cost and resource making. This approach not only aids in achieving requirements associated with developing and compliance with evolving regulatory standards but also maintaining configurators must be considered. The aligns with broader corporate sustainability goals. investment in licenses and running costs of Future research should continue to explore the configuration applications can be substantial, but the development and application of these tools across long-term benefits of reduced environmental impacts different sectors to fully realize their potential in driving and alignment with policies and requirements can sustainable development. compensate for initial costs. On the other hand, a retrospective approach is References highly dependent on completed project design specifications. This approach prevents the flexibility [1] D. Griggs, M. Stafford-Smith, O. Gaffney, J. needed to make environmental improvements once the Rockström, M.C. Öhman, P. Shyamsundar, W. design is finalized. 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