Abstract
Abstract Wall systems have a wide range of embodied energy due to the diversity of materials available. This paper analyzes the expenditure of energy and carbon dioxide emissions in internal and external wall systems (IEWS) of a rural residence of social interest in Cascavel, state of Paraná, Brazil. The methodology proposed by NBR ISO 14040 was used to perform a life-cycle energy assessment (LCEA) and the carbon dioxide emissions assessment (LCCO2A) of these systems. Four scenarios were considered: reinforced concrete structure and ceramic blocks wall system, load-bearing masonry with concrete blocks, steel framing and reinforced concrete walls molded on site. As a result, it was found that it is possible to reduce energy consumption up to 25% by opting for reinforced concrete walls molded on site. In regards to CO2 emission, it was verified that the difference is even greater, being able to reduce emissions by almost 32% when opting for this same scenario.
Highlights
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is an efficient tool for reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in buildings
Different approaches can be adopted in the LCA; in this study, two approaches were adopted: life cycle energy assessment (LCEA) and life cycle carbon emissions assessment (LCCO2A)
The greatest energy reduction potential incorporated in the Brazilian social interest buildings is connected to wall systems through the choice of materials and systems with less energy incorporated and greater durability, in order to reduce the necessity of maintenance and replacement of material (PAULSEN; SPOSTO, 2014)
Summary
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is an efficient tool for reducing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in buildings. Different approaches can be adopted in the LCA; in this study, two approaches were adopted: life cycle energy assessment (LCEA) and life cycle carbon emissions assessment (LCCO2A). Sustainability assessment on walls has been carried out by other authors (LOTTEAU et al, 2015; LEOTO; LIZARRALDE, 2019; MONTEIRO; FREIRE, 2012). These tools should be used individually so we are able to adopt the most appropriate strategy for each building (LEOTO; LIZARRALDE, 2019; REZAEI; BULLE; LESAGE, 2019). The objective of this study is to identify which scenario requires the most energy and which scenario results in the greatest CO2 emissions. This research is distinguished by the use of exclusively Brazilian embedded energy values and CO2 emissions rates
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