The Vacuum-Assisted Resin Transfer Molding (VARTM) process has gained popularity as a reliable and cost-effective alternative to autoclave molding for high-performance composite production, which is especially interesting for aeronautics, where weight reduction is crucial. However, to date, the environmental impact of components produced through VARTM remains relatively unknown. To address this gap, this study applied the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology to estimate the environmental impact of a thermoset composite laminate produced through heated VARTM. Aiming to support the decision, the VARTM composite part’s production was compared to conventional autoclave manufacturing, and the influence of alternative end-of-life (EoL) scenarios and energy mixes was considered, through LCA. The study found that energy consumption represented the majority of the environmental impacts of the heated VARTM component (33%), followed by carbon fibers, resins, consumables, and wastes. In terms of the comparative analysis, the autoclave manufacturing process showed better environmental results. Regarding EoL management, supercritical hydrolysis (with heat recovery) recycling emerges as the most beneficial method, reducing the impacts of the VARTM-manufactured component by 25%. This study emphasizes the importance of sustainable practices, such as reducing energy consumption, using low-carbon energy mixes, and adopting recycling methods to improve VARTM composite’s environmental performance.

Implementing sustainability and circularity in the built environment requires design strategies that consider not only environmental but also economic performance across the entire life cycle. However, Life Cycle Cost (LCC) assessment is rarely applied as a decision-support tool, especially when externalities are included in the evaluation of timber construction. This study presents a parametric LCC assessment approach for an innovative timber-based structural system within the Universal Timber Slab (UTS) project. The methodology integrates conventional LCC—covering production, installation, and end-of-life—with a circular-economy LCC that accounts for the potential value of some circular strategies, such as reuse and recycle, as well as relevant externalities, including internalisation of environmental impacts, green labelling and green financing, faster construction times, and worker health and safety. The parametric LCC model enables streamlined evaluation of multiple design configurations, material choices, and end-of-life scenarios. It is applied to a set of UTS variations to assess the economic performance of the UTS solution. Results show that although some UTS configurations may present higher initial costs compared to conventional alternatives, circular strategies such as component reuse and material recovery can substantially reduce total life-cycle costs. The study highlights the economic viability of circular timber structural systems and provides a streamlined decision-support tool for designers, engineers, and promoters. By integrating LCC with circular-economy principles, the research supports a transition toward more resource-efficient, low-impact, and economically viable construction practices.