KonGlas LCA

Project Title	KonGlas LCA
Project Subtitle	Configurator for dynamic parametric life cycle analysis of glass façade systems
Projectleader	Prof. Dr.-Ing. Michael Engelmann (TU Dresden)
Researchers	Christian Popp (TU Dresden)
Partners	Bollinger und Grohmann Consulting GmbH
Funding	BMWK – Zentrales Innovationsprogramm Mittelstand (ZIM)
Time Spam	2025-2027

Project Description

The aim of the project is to develop a dynamic design and optimisation tool for glass façade systems in individual building contexts.

The tool is intended to support architects and planners in the early planning stages: on the one hand, with individual façade design and structural and building physics dimensioning. In particular, however, it will help them to optimise the ecological and economic impacts over the entire life cycle.

For this purpose, a large number of variable system configurations, boundary conditions and potential future scenarios are taken into account. The embedded impacts from manufacturing, construction, use and end of life are linked to the operational impacts of the systems through usage-related energy demand.

For a precise analysis of the multitude of possible façade solutions and to identify the optimal variant, parametric geometry modelling, dynamic thermal simulations and scenario-based prospective life cycle analyses are linked with multi-criteria optimisation.

Thanks to early applicability, the possibility of individual design and configuration, and the variation of numerous influencing factors (structural, energy-related, geometric, design-related, manufacturing-related and usage-related), the best possible façade solutions are identified at an early stage using multi-criteria optimisation. Scenario-based forecasts make it possible to capture the potential future impact of today's planning decisions. Benchmarks and optimisation algorithms help in selecting the best façade configuration.

By integrating these functions, the KonGlas LCA tool supports well-founded, sustainable and future-oriented decisions in façade design. It highlights potential for reducing emissions and costs, makes planning processes more efficient and, at the same time, provides impetus for more sustainable developments in the construction industry.

Contact person TU Dresden

Research Associate

Dipl.-Ing. Christian Popp

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Contact Information

Institute of Building Construction

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Visiting address:

NÜR, Room 06-012 Nürnberger Straße 31A

01187 Dresden

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Professor of Sustainable Building Construction

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Michael Engelmann

Head of the Institute of Building Construction