Creo Arkitekter makes LCA calculations an integrated part of the design process
September 2025LCA calculations have generally been perceived as both complex and time-consuming by many architects. At Creo Architects, they have turned this challenge into a strength.
With Real-Time LCA, the architectural practice now has a tool that automates the entire process – from quantity take-offs to climate analysis – and enables it to work efficiently with documented sustainability.
The Challenge
In the past, LCA calculations involved cumbersome, manual processes involving numerous clicks and repetitive tasks. The process was time-consuming, required significant effort to complete, and was not naturally integrated into the rest of the design work.
The Solution
With Real-Time LCA, Creo has gained a fully integrated solution directly within Revit. Quantities are transferred automatically, materials are detected using the ‘Auto-Mapping’ function, and analyses can now be conducted quickly and throughout the project – without leaving the digital workflow.
The Result
Today, Creo works far more efficiently with LCA calculations. This fosters stronger collaboration across the project, frees up time and makes it possible to document the carbon footprint from the very first sketches. All of this is done within the digital process where decisions are made.
From manual work to automated analyses
Before Creo implemented Real-Time LCA, LCA calculations were done manually and outside of Revit – separate from the rest of the design workflow. It required many clicks, repeated measurements and a solid technical overview.
"It has previously been difficult for us to work with LCA, as we had to do many manual workflows. Often we only got a real picture late in the design process," says Simon Borg, CEO, Creo Arkitekter.
The need for a more efficient and flexible solution led Creo to look for a tool that could automate the LCA calculations and integrate directly into their existing workflow.
They chose Real-Time LCA – a platform where Revit quantities are automatically linked to material data, allowing analyses to be performed quickly and continuously as a natural part of the design process.
“It’s a completely different way of working. We’ve been given a tool that makes it quick and easy to analyse and document – without having to leave our regular platform,” says Simon.
Who will you meet in this article?
Simon Borg, CEO, Creo Arkitekter
Auto-Mapping saves time and minises errors
One of the features that quickly made a difference in Creo was “Auto-Mapping”. When the design studio’s known building elements and materials are named consistently in Revit, Real-Time LCA can automatically recognize them and match them with the correct environmental data in the database. This means that Creo no longer has to select materials or link them to LCA profiles manually.
"It’s a major advantage that the system recognises our components and automatically suggests the most suitable materials. It saves us a great deal of duplicate work," explains Simon.
Creo has built an internal library of named construction types and components that Real-Time LCA can recognize across projects. It is a strategic investment that both saves time and makes it easier to involve multiple disciplines in the work.
Ease of use promotes dissemination
Real-Time LCA has made it possible for different professional groups in the company to work actively with the LCA calculations.
"It's not just one sustainability lead handling it. We now have several people in the office using it - and that makes us more agile," says Simon.
This means that LCA calculations are no longer something that happens in a separate process. Architects, engineers, and project managers can now build scenarios, compare material choices, and document climate footprints directly within their projects – at the phases where it matters most for both design and collaboration with developers.
Furthermore, Creo has found that this improves the quality of decision-making – because more people involved in the project have access to the same data and a shared understanding.
About Creo Arkitekter
The architectural firm has strong roots in healthcare and residential construction – from social housing to private multi-storey developments – and has been involved in Danish hospital projects since the 1950s.
Better collaboration with contractors and consultants
Simon Borg highlights how Real-Time LCA has improved interactions with external stakeholders – particularly contractors and consultants. With access to up-to-date and documented climate data, Creo can now have more informed discussions about material selection, carbon footprints and cost-effectiveness – right from the design phase.
"When we can document the consequences of our choices at an early stage, the dialogue with clients, main contractors and consultants improves. We can be more precise and present solid data, which is crucial when balancing ambitions with cost and design. We are better equipped to make choices – and to substantiate them," he explains.
It also helps the contractor understand the consequences of different choices. It is not just an architectural assessment, but something that can be documented and form the basis for joint decisions.
Real-Time LCA is therefore not only an internal analysis tool, but also plays an active role in tender materials, collaborative workshops, and documentation for authorities and certification schemes.
Simon emphasises that this also strengthens their position in tenders and competitions:
"When we bid for projects, we can demonstrate that we take a data-driven approach to sustainability. This makes us more competitive and builds trust."
Close collaboration with NTI
The implementation of Real-Time LCA has taken place in close collaboration with NTI, who have assisted Creo with both consultancy and technical setup. According to Simon Borg, this collaboration has been crucial to a smooth start-up and to ensuring the solution could be quickly put to use on specific projects.
"We’ve had a productive and transparent exchange with NTI through the entire process. They have listened to our requirements and adjusted the setup to accommodate our way of working," he explains.
This collaboration has made it possible to adapt Real-Time LCA to Creo’s work processes and ensure that the tool adds value both in daily operations and from a business perspective.
More time for architecture
By removing the technical and practical complexities, Creo has given its employees more time for what really matters: creating well-designed, accountable architecture.
"Real-Time LCA gives us a flexibility we haven’t had before. We can explore more ideas and work our way closer to the ideal," concludes Simon.
This means the architectural firm can work in a more exploratory manner, test more solution proposals and maintain quality – without compromising on either documentation or deadlines.
Sustainability is no longer a hindrance – but a catalyst for better architecture.
The NTI Edge
NTI combines software expertise with deep industry insight to help customers embed new digital capabilities into their existing workflows. Rather than treating implementation as a standalone task, NTI works closely with organisations to adapt solutions to real-world practices and business needs.
This approach enables companies to move from fragmented processes to more integrated and data-driven ways of working—unlocking measurable efficiency gains while strengthening the foundation for sustainable and scalable operations.
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