Evaluation the life cycle carbon emissions of the aerogel glazing under different weather conditions

Abstract

Carbon emissions are widely recognized as the primary cause of global warming over the past few decades. The Aerogel Glazing System (AGS) stands out as one of the most advanced glazing systems currently available. In order to evaluate the carbon-saving potential of AGS, the life cycle carbon emission model of AGS was established. The carbon emission of production, transportation, construction, operation, maintenance, and waste disposal are considered. The results showed that AGS has higher carbon-saving potential. The life cycle carbon emissions of AGS in commercial, double glazing system (DGS), triple glazing system (TGS) are −144.8 kg CO2/m2, 593.6 kg CO2/m2, 250.8 kg CO2/m2 in Beijing horizontal direction. Under high temperature supercritical drying (in Commercial), low temperature supercritical drying, and freeze-drying, the life carbon emissions of AGS are lower compared to both DGS and TGS. Then the life cycle carbon emissions of AGS in different climates were analyzed. The results show that the life cycle carbon emissions of AGS under different climatic conditions are as follows (in ascending order): subtropical climate < polar climate < temperate climate < arid climate < tropical climate, with a maximum of 4929.9 kg CO2/m2 and a minimum of −634.5 kg CO2/m2. The use of AGS in tropical climate produced 5.9 times increase in life carbon emissions compared to its use in subtropical climate. In the heating-dominated climate, AGS has the greatest potential for carbon savings when orientated southwards. In cooling dominated climates, the carbon emissions are higher in the southward direction, with a weaker potential for carbon savings. Interestingly, in polar and tropical climates, increasing the aerogel thickness layer effectively reduces the life cycle carbon emissions of AGS. This study provides valuable insights for selecting sustainable curtain wall systems and window configurations, offering a pathway to minimize environmental impacts.