ABSTRACT
Life Cycle Assessment is widely used to evaluate the environmental impacts of construction systems, yet affordability constraints, unreliable data, and the exclusion of socio-economic factors limit its relevance to low-income housing in South Africa. Drawing on empirical data from Gauteng province and consultations with key stakeholders, this study identifies three core limitations: insufficient subsidy support, weak material and energy datasets, and the lack of integration of social dimensions. To enhance the tool's applicability, the study proposes three adaptations: Social Life Cycle Assessment (S-LCA) to incorporate affordability and well-being; Dynamic LCA to reflect the incremental nature of low-income housing; and Geographic Information Systems (GIS)-Based LCA for location-specific sustainability analysis. These models offer a more holistic, flexible, and inclusive framework for assessing housing impacts in resource-constrained environments. The study provides actionable insights for developing nations, advocating for hybrid LCA approaches that align environmental, economic, and social sustainability goals in housing delivery.
