Whole Building Life Cycle Assessment for MR Credit "Building Life-Cycle Impact Reduction", Option #4 - LCA tools recommended.

Hello Richard, When you cannot change the design parameters, the option that remains is to compare materials available in your market (and LCA tools database). In some cases, concrete mixes with different % of Cement Substitutes (e.g. fly ash, slag, etc.) or steel elements with different % of recycled content can provide you with options to meet the improved impact reduction threshold for your Proposed Building. Keep in mind that the performance (e.g. strength of concrete mix must remain the same). There are other tools used in the US & Canada such as One Click LCA that you can consider. I work at One Click LCA and suggest you give our software a try as we have a broad range of materials (generic and EPD) that can be easily compared to help you in this situation. Also, consider how/where would you get the material information from (BIM, energy model, manual quantity takeoff) as that can be another important factor to include in your evaluation of tools based on how much time can you spend on this type of analysis. Of course, there are other tools in the market in addition to the ones mentioned. Look for tools that provide you with an ample selection of building materials (including EPDs) to compare from and that can help you meet your present (and future) needs and time.  I hope this helps. Rod