Remodelling of the heating systems of a sports centre based on life cycle assessment. Part I: Boiler replacement.

Abstract

Based  on  existing  installations  of  heating  and  cooling  of  the  municipal  sports  centre  of  Ordizia  (Spain)  and  its  operating data, the remodelling of these facilities has been discussed according to new regulations. In   order   to   facilitate   decision-making   reform   of   the   facilities,   this   will   be   approached   from   eco-efficiency   criteria,   i.e.   taking   into   account   not   only   the   usual   economic  and  technological  criteria  (business  as  usual-BAU),   but   also   integrating   the   concept   of   life   cycle   analysis  (LCA)  of  the  installation,  allowing  therefore  to  analyze     the     environmental     impact     prior     to     its     implementation.The  comparison  between  two  types  of  boilers,  the  current  diesel  one  and  a  high  performance  natural  gas  equipment,  is  presented  in  this  first  part.  In  both  cases,  the  major  impact has been found during the use stage compared with the  stages  of  construction  and  dismantling,  due  mainly  to  the  use  of  fuel.  Thus,  the  used  fuel  has  great  influence  on  environmental impact, resulting to be the natural gas boiler the best option.