Research on the Current Situation and Calculation Method of Carbon Emissions Assessment for Building Curtain Walls

Abstract

Curtain wall systems stand out as a pivotal domain within the construction sector’s endeavors towards energy efficiency and carbon mitigation. To refine the evaluation framework for carbon emissions within this industry, this paper explores the calculation and assessment method for building curtain walls. The article first reviews the current research status regarding carbon emissions from materials and the impact of curtain walls on buildings in the operational stage. Based on lifecycle theory, the carbon emissions from building curtain walls are divided into six stages: material acquisition, processing and production, installation and construction, transportation, use and maintenance, and dismantling. On this basis, this paper proposes a method for calculating carbon emissions from building curtain walls. Following that, a case study is conducted using a specific glass curtain wall project for illustrative analysis. The results indicate that the carbon emissions from the material acquisition stage constitute approximately 90% of the total, serving as the primary source of carbon emissions for glass curtain walls. Furthermore, the scientific application of photovoltaics can significantly reduce the carbon emission levels of building curtain walls. Finally, an analysis was conducted on the current issues existing in the evaluation of carbon emissions.