Assessing the Environmental Consequences of Phosphate Emissions in Civil Engineering Projects and Their Inclusion in the Lifecycle Costs of Buildings

Abstract

Eutrophication, characterized by rising levels of nitrogen and phosphorus, poses a significant risk to biodiversity. In civil engineering, the contribution of phosphate emissions to this process has been insufficiently addressed and requires detailed examination. This study evaluates both the environmental and economic impacts of phosphate emissions in civil engineering, with a focus on their integration into the lifecycle costs of buildings. Detailed analysis of 17 residential buildings in the South Moravian Region has quantified environmental harm, establishing an economic cost of 5000 €/t for PO43-. Environmental damage caused by phosphate emissions was monitored throughout the construction and operational phases of the residential buildings. The research reveals that the ratio of annual operating costs to external societal costs varies from 1% to 11%. Furthermore, the research reveals that annual negative externalities per square metre due to phosphate emissions fluctuated between 4.99 €/m² and 0.19 €/m². These higher externalities also correlate with increased annual operating costs per square metre. Variations were primarily attributed to the characteristics of the building envelope, construction materials, and energy sources. These findings underscore the need for incorporating ecological costs into fiscal planning, highlighting the importance of sustainable construction practices in mitigating environmental impacts.