Abstract

This paper aims to propose a comprehensive framework for a clear description of system boundary conditions in life cycle energy assessment (LCEA) analysis in order to promote the incorporation of embodied energy impacts into building energy-efficiency regulations (BEERs). The proposed framework was developed based on an extensive review of 66 studies representing 243 case studies in over 15 countries. The framework consists of six distinctive dimensions, i.e., temporal, physical, methodological, hypothetical, spatial, and functional. These dimensions encapsulate 15 components collectively. The proposed framework possesses two key characteristics; first, its application facilitates defining the conditions of a system boundary within a transparent context. This consequently leads to increasing reliability of obtained LCEA results for decision-making purposes since any particular conditions (e.g., truncation or assumption) considered in establishing the boundaries of a system under study can be revealed. Second, the use of a framework can also provide a meaningful basis for cross comparing cases within a global context. This characteristic can further result in identifying best practices for the design of buildings with low life cycle energy use performance. Furthermore, this paper applies the proposed framework to analyse the LCEA performance of a case study in Adelaide, Australia. Thereafter, the framework is utilised to cross compare the achieved LCEA results with a case study retrieved from literature in order to demonstrate the framework’s capacity for cross comparison. The results indicate the capability of the framework for maintaining transparency in establishing a system boundary in an LCEA analysis, as well as a standardised basis for cross comparing cases. This study also offers recommendations for policy makers in the building sector to incorporate embodied energy into BEERs.

Highlights

  • High-performance buildings have gained momentum over the recent decades owing to their capacity to curb dependency on fossil fuels [1,2,3,4]

  • The results showed that the share of embodied energy in total life cycle energy consumption increased from 20–40% to 50–75% in transitioning from a standard 6-star building to a highly energy-efficient building

  • The development of a comprehensive framework for a clear description of system boundaries can pave the way towards integrating the life cycle embodied environmental impacts into building energy-efficiency regulations (BEERs)

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Summary

Introduction

High-performance buildings have gained momentum over the recent decades owing to their capacity to curb dependency on fossil fuels [1,2,3,4] These buildings are principally constructed to minimise annual operational energy use so that they can achieve net-zero energy (and carbon) usage by integrating on-site renewable or decarbonised energy systems with the buildings [5]. The second approach is a gradual process by which the performance thresholds to achieve energy-efficient buildings (e.g., nearly-zero energy buildings (NZEBs) or net-zero energy buildings) are progressively increased over time through mandatory building codes In this approach, building energy-efficiency regulations (BEERs) play a vital role in fulfilling the attainment of high-performance buildings. Per m2 of net conditioned floor area; whole building; building component/construction material. (3.5)

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