Which action can be aided by completing a life-cycle assessment (LCA) of a building during the design process?

Completing a life-cycle assessment (LCA) during the design process provides valuable insights that can inform multiple aspects of a building project, which is why "all of the above" is the correct choice.

When an LCA is carried out, it evaluates the environmental impacts of materials and building systems throughout their entire life spans, from raw material extraction to disposal. This process helps identify opportunities to reduce materials used by suggesting alternatives or optimizing material choices, thus contributing to waste reduction.

Additionally, by assessing the life cycle impacts, designers can enhance decision-making regarding energy efficiency and sustainable practices, which can lead to a more streamlined construction process. This optimization can potentially shorten the construction schedule as more efficient designs are established early on, reducing the likelihood of delays.

Moreover, an LCA assists in identifying potential issues upfront, which can minimize change orders during construction. Change orders often arise from unforeseen problems or design flaws; an LCA mitigates this risk by providing thorough insights into the sustainability and efficiency of the chosen materials and systems.

Each of these benefits interconnects, supporting the goal of a more efficient, cost-effective, and sustainable building process, which is why the correct answer encompasses all these benefits rather than isolating one.