Tally-Based Life Cycle Assessment: A Revit-Integrated, BIM-Driven Approach to Sustainable Building Design

Chapter 34 of Architecture and Engineering of Algerian Cities.

This chapter presents a Building Information Modeling (BIM)-integrated Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) workflow using Autodesk Revit and the Tally plugin to support sustainable building design and environmental decision-making. The study provides a transparent and reproducible methodology covering field data collection, BIM reconstruction, material definition, automated life cycle inventory integration, impact assessment, and interpretation of results within a unified digital environment.

A comparative case study of a reinforced-concrete residential building is used to evaluate the environmental performance of a baseline design and a low-carbon optimized alternative incorporating supplementary cementitious materials and lightweight masonry systems. Results demonstrate notable reductions in Global Warming Potential, Eutrophication Potential, and Smog Formation Potential, while also highlighting life-cycle trade-offs across different assessment stages.

Beyond the quantified environmental benefits, the chapter emphasizes the value of BIM-integrated LCA as a practical decision-support methodology capable of linking design choices, material quantities, and environmental impacts. By documenting the complete Revit–Tally workflow, the chapter contributes a methodological reference for architects, engineers, researchers, and students seeking to integrate sustainability assessment into digital design and construction practices.