Embedded carbon assessment of an office building with comparison of different design solutions

Abstract

Embodied carbon assessment of an office building with comparison of different design solutions. Aspirations for the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and related EU regulations require the building sector, which is responsible for approx. 40% of global emissions, to deepen understanding of their sources and find ways to reduce them. It is necessary to collect firm data from different projects (both completed and ongoing) in order to help designers develop more sustainable solutions and prepare the building industry for a “netZero” future. Our case study presents a life cycle analysis of an office building designed as the headquarters for SYLVA DREWNO. Assessment of the embedded carbon footprint and comparison of alternative design solutions for the building were the key goal of the study. The paper highlights areas of the design with the greatest potential for reduction of the carbon footprint. The conclusions drawn from the study may serve as a basis for developing building design guidelines for reducing the carbon footprint of future buildings.