| Keywords |
Eco-Label ; Indicator ; Building material ; Environmental impact ; Environmental friendliness |
| Abstract |
This study analyzed indicators for use in the assessment of environmental impact of building materials focused on Korean Eco-Label. Comprehensive criteria to analyze eco-labeling indicators are presented considering the concept of environmental friendliness and the environmental impact categories of life cycle assessment. Based on the criteria presented, the indicators of Korean Eco-Label were analyzed with respect to reliability of indicators for building materials to achieve environmental friendliness. Four main categories are examined: (1)saving energy; (2)conserving resources; (3)reducing environmental effects; and (4)protecting human health. The analysis reveals that the indicators of Korean Eco-Label manage to satisfy the four categories; however they place different weight in the category compared with the indicators of four eco-labels worldwide, Blue Angel, Nordic Swan, EU Ecolabel, and Green Seal. The diverse interpretations of environmental friendliness with the growing demand on the concept and regionally different schemes are suggested as the reasons for this phenomenon. |