Methods for calculating building-embodied carbon emissions for the whole design process

Area of Science:

• Construction Engineering
• Environmental Science
• Sustainable Architecture

Background:

• China aims for peak carbon emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060, necessitating construction industry emission reductions.
• Current building carbon emission (CE) calculation methods are complex, data-intensive, and lack design orientation.
• Calculating CEs during architectural design is hindered by data uncertainty and incomplete information.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a "design-oriented" calculation method for building-embodied carbon emissions (ECEs).
• To address limitations of existing CE calculation methods.
• To support architects in optimizing designs for reduced carbon impact.

Main Methods:

• Developed a calculation method based on designers' vocabulary and thinking.
• Focused on predicting and assessing environmental impact during the architectural design phase.
• Integrated timely feedback mechanisms for design optimization.

Main Results:

• The proposed method simplifies ECE calculations.
• It provides better design orientation and feedback for emission reduction.
• Identifies key areas and hotspots for carbon reduction in building design.

Conclusions:

• The design-oriented ECE calculation method offers significant theoretical and practical value.
• It facilitates the construction of low-carbon buildings by enabling design optimization.
• Supports China's national carbon reduction goals within the construction sector.