The importance of environmental assessment in the building sector has increased along with the growing interest in sustainable development and environmental management. The building sector accounts for about 25% of the nation’s total greenhouse gas emission and it is reported that the environmental impact of this sector throughout the life cycle from construction to demolition is enormous.
Environmental assessment of the building sector in South Korea focuses mainly on energy uses during the use phase of buildings. However, the impact of buildings on the environment is much higher throughout its life cycle. Thus, this research as part of a literature review aimed at development environmental assessment models for the building sector investigates national and international plans, systems, and researches for the construction of environmentally-friendly buildings. Also, the research by studying life cycle assessment methodologies suggests the use of these methodologies to support policy makings of land planning as well as environmental planning.
The aim of this working paper is to review literatures to develop environmental assessment models and it focuses on methodology researches to be used for land and environmental policies. This paper discusses the impact of buildings on the environment and the concept of sustainable buildings. Also, it examines national and international plans and policies about plans for sustainable buildings, and investigates related international research and policy trend. Also, it investigates life cycle assessment methodology in order to determin