Assessing the environmental footprint of electrochromic windows: a comparative LCA with AI-based forecasting

Abstract

This investigation assesses electrochromic windows as a novel green alternative to traditional double-pane windows through a life cycle assessment, which analyzes and compares both types of windows. The life cycle assessment was conducted using the impact categories of TRACI 2.1 in the SimaPro 9.1 application, with ecoinvent, and 1 m² of each window type as the functional unit for the comparisons. The manufacturing of EC windows yielded a total CO₂ generation of 49.6 kg CO₂, and the manufacturing of double-pane windows resulted in 76.05 kg CO₂. In the manufacturing of electrochromic glass windows, the float glass production process contributed 9.79 kg of CO₂ at that stage of fabrication. From the sensitivity analysis, it was determined that using 10% less electricity during electrochromic window production can lower carbon emissions for electrochromic windows by 1.51 kg CO₂. These life cycle assessment impact results were later used for advanced AI-predictive modeling using Python's scientific ecosystem, including PyTorch for neural network implementation, scikit-learn for data preprocessing and metric calculation, and custom-built hierarchical architectures to develop both Artificial Neural Network and Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System models. Considering that 200 m² of double-pane windows were replaced by electrochromic windows, the embodied impact of electrochromic window production would be offset by the operational impact of 30.1 t CO₂ in 10.5 months. Since the lifespans of both window types are similar, electrochromic windows are promising green alternatives to double-pane windows.