This dissertation was written as a part of the MSc in Energy Systems at the International Hellenic University. It focuses on the environmental performance of four widely used frame materials in the market: aluminum, PVC, wood and wood-metal, all sealed with a double-glazed unit, which are very common in construction sector. Life cycle assessment is the method used to analyze and examine the environmental burdens of each frame case respectively, taking into account production, disposal and transportation of the materials used for the manufacturing of those window systems. The continuous growing of environmental concern and the direction of protective policies are the motivations for such studies. The SimaPro 7 LCA software was used and the CML 2 baseline assessment method was applied to evaluate windows performance. The data needed for the analysis is taken from previous studies, industrial reports and Ecoinvent database if no other source is available. Ten impact categories were grouped and identified to assess the environmental performance of windows, scale-based on CML2 method and followed by all relevant characterization and damage factors. Finally the results were compared to conclude with useful and reliable as possible information for decision makers.
To this point I would like to note what a great pleasure for me was to undertake such an interesting and up to date subject. I would like to thank my family and friends for their support, especially Benjamin Christiaens who as a friend contributed the most and helped to fulfill this thesis. Finally I would like to extremely thank my supervisor Dr. Dimitrios Anastaselos for the whole cooperation and assistance in all sectors of my study.
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