Carbon Footprint Of Buildings Research Articles

Empirical study of facade retrofits for optimizing energy efficiency and cooling in school buildings in Saudi Arabia

Educational buildings in Saudi Arabia are characterized by high energy consumption, primarily due to cooling and lighting demands. This study aims to evaluate and optimize facade retrofitting strategies to improve energy efficiency and evaluate economic performance of many scenarios in Saudi school buildings, aligning with the sustainability objectives of Saudi Vision 2030. The research employs a simulation-based optimization methodology utilizing Design Builder software to explore key facade design variables, including Window-to-Wall Ratio, glazing type, local shading devices, and external wall insulation. The methodology is structured in sequential stages: it begins with the collection of base-case data, followed by a data-driven optimization process targeting specific design variables. This is then complemented by an economic and environmental assessment of the optimal retrofit scenarios, ultimately leading to the identification of the most effective energy-saving solution presented at the conclusion of the study. Through an optimization process, the research identifies retrofitting strategies that reduce cooling loads by up to 17 %, lighting energy consumption by 49 % and annual energy costs by 18 %. The study also includes an economic analysis of the retrofits, revealing significant savings in annual electricity costs and a reduction in the building's carbon footprint. This research contributes valuable insights into sustainable building practices, offering practical solutions for improving energy efficiency in the educational sector. The novelty of this study lies in its comprehensive analysis of facade retrofits within the context of extreme climatic conditions, which provides a replicable model for retrofitting educational buildings across the region. The findings have significant implications for policymakers, architects, and sustainability advocates seeking to meet Saudi Arabia's energy conservation goals.

Awareness of net zero energy buildings among construction professionals in the Ghanaian construction industry

PurposeNet zero energy buildings (NZEBs) play a crucial role in mitigating the environmental impact of the construction industry. However, this concept in Ghana is still in the infancy stage, and the level of embracement in the construction industry is uncertain which further poses challenges to its adoption. This can be attributed to the lack of awareness of NZEB among construction professionals. Hence, understanding the awareness among construction professionals is essential for promoting sustainable building practices and reducing the carbon footprint of buildings. Therefore, this study investigates the level of awareness of NZEBs among construction professionals in the Ghanaian construction industry (GCI).Design/methodology/approachThe study adopted a quantitative research method where questionnaire survey was used to obtain data from sixty-six (66) construction professionals in the GCI through snowball sampling technique. The collected data were analysed using frequencies, mean scores, one-sample t-test and cross-tabulation.FindingsThe study revealed that thirty (30) construction professionals out of the sixty-six (66) had a moderate level of awareness of NZEBs, and 14 professionals had a low level of awareness. Thirteen had a high level of awareness. Three of the profesionals were extremely unaware, while six had a very high level of awareness. The study’s findings highlight the need to create awareness of NZEBs and their practices among construction professionals and employees in Ghana.Originality/valueNZEB is an under-explored area in the Ghanaian context and therefore, this study uniquely highlights the nascent awareness of NZEBs among Ghanaian construction professionals, unlike previous studies in more developed contexts. It underscores the critical need for targeted awareness programs essential for reducing the carbon footprint and advancing the adoption of NZEBs in the GCI.

Review: The Economics Landscape for Building Decarbonization

As efforts to mitigate climate change become increasingly urgent, the need to address the environmental impact of the built environment has gained significant attention. Buildings, as major contributors to Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, have a substantial embodied and operational carbon footprint resulting from their construction materials, practices, and lifetime operation. This paper examines the economic landscape of strategies and policies aimed at reducing the embodied and operational carbon footprint of buildings on a global scale, with specific case studies from various national contexts. It delves into various innovative approaches, including economic analysis techniques, market instruments, market demands, and the role of government incentives to reduce the carbon footprint of buildings. The study highlights the crucial role of government policies, financial incentives, and market forces in promoting sustainable practices and fostering the adoption of low-carbon alternatives. By shedding light on the economic dimensions of reducing the carbon footprint of buildings, this research aims to facilitate informed decision-making by policymakers, engineers, and other stakeholders, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and climate-resilient built environment.

Carbon Footprints of a Conventional Norwegian Detached House Exposed to Flooding

Rehabilitating water-damaged structures in buildings results in increased material extraction and energy use, and, consequently, a higher carbon footprint of the housing industry. Despite its prevalence, quantifying the carbon footprint caused by water damage or flooding has not gained much attention. Thus, this study investigated the quantitative carbon footprint associated with rehabilitating flooding in a detached house caused by torrential rain. Three different construction methods of the house were looked at; a timber frame construction, a masonry variant made by concrete blocks of Lightweight Expanded Clay Aggregate (LECA), and an alternative with exterior walls composed of concrete-moulded Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) foam boards. A life-cycle assessment according to NS 3720 was used to investigate the carbon footprint (CO2eq.) of typical flooding in a detached building. Rehabilitating the flooding in a house with concrete-moulded boards resulted in a lower carbon footprint (2.45 × 103 CO2eq.) than rehabilitating the same flooding in a house with LECA masonry (7.56 × 103 CO2eq.) and timber frames (2.49 × 103 CO2eq.). However, the timber-frame house had the lowest total carbon footprint (2.95 × 104 CO2eq.) owing to their original low footprint. This study found that flooding significantly contributed to the carbon footprint of buildings and, therefore, the topic should be given attention when choosing a construction method and moisture safety strategy.

The Feasibility Study of a Solar Power Plant at Building B, Universitas Multimedia Nusantara

The use of environmentally friendly energy resources is becoming increasingly important in reducing the carbon footprint of buildings. One approach is to integrate solar power generation into the building's energy system. This research aims to reduce the carbon footprint by replacing conventional electricity sources with environmentally friendly renewable energy sources and integrating energy sources without disrupting the productivity of activities in Building B of Universitas Multimedia Nusantara (UMN). This study encompasses several key parameters, including the limited use of solar panels in Building B of UMN and simulations conducted using PVsyst software with shadow-free assumptions and solar panel orientation facing north. Additionally, the research considers the potential production of clean energy from available utilization areas, including the roof and fifth-floor balcony of Building B. This feasibility study also includes an analysis of electricity usage over three months, with electricity consumption sourced from PLN. The analysis results show that the use of solar panels can yield long-term economic benefits, with capital costs recoverable within 20 years. However, further review is needed regarding potential system losses, costs, and the addition of energy storage options. Cost calculations need to be adjusted to consider building owner profitability for more accurate results. This study only considers profits without accounting for repair and maintenance costs over the 20-year system operation period.

Climate change mitigation potential in building preservation: comparing the CO2 performance of four refurbishment alternatives to new construction

ABSTRACT Older buildings are often vilified for alleged poor energy performance. This discussion has, however, been limited to operational energy, rather than whole-life carbon. This paper compares both embodied and operational carbon emissions of building preservation to new construction. Methodologically, it relies on consequential replacement LCA. Using a representative 1950s school building as a case study, a locally heritage-listed example of Modernist architecture, four retention scenarios are devised. The scenarios represent different approaches towards repair needs, cost implications, time horizons of refurbishment, and conserving the building's architectural-historical value. For the contemporary new build, two scenarios are developed based on a case study school building completed in 2018. They differ by the material of the structural frame (concrete or cross-laminated timber). The concrete-framed alternative corresponds to the present business as usual, whereas the wooden alternative represents a competing lower-carbon technology. The study was conducted in Finland, i.e. a cold continental climate. In such conditions, operational energy consumption is significant for a building's carbon footprint. Nevertheless, the findings show that building preservation results in lower emissions than new construction in most of the scenarios. The climate change mitigation potential of building preservation is significant at the scale of singular buildings and the building stock scale.

Remote Solar Parks for Building Decarbonisation: A Lithuanian Case Study on Virtual Prosumers

To reduce the carbon footprint of buildings, the concept of virtual prosumers (consumers who both consume and produce) using remote solar energy parks represents a novel method in Europe. In 2019, Lithuania became the first country in Europe to introduce a digital platform that enables the buying or renting of parts of a remote solar park, making it the first such platform in the world to operate on a national scale. This study examines the effectiveness of this model in Lithuania, assessing the model's success, public engagement, and success factors. The main study focus is on evaluating the impact of remote solar parks on the decarbonization of buildings, particularly through the prism of virtual prosumer participation.Applying a mixed research method, this study integrates both qualitative and quantitative data. The quantitative analysis includes a detailed case study, evaluating the amount of energy produced by two selected remote solar parks in Lithuania, as well as their impact on the carbon dioxide emissions and primary energy use of the two individual houses (a detached house and a unit within an apartment building) connected to these remote power plants. Concurrently, qualitative methods involve analyzing the existing legal and economic frameworks in Lithuania and Europe, which either facilitate or impede the prosumer model, in addition to examining the necessary technological infrastructure.Key findings of this study highlight the potential of remote solar energy parks to significantly reduce the carbon emissions of buildings. This model is especially beneficial for structures where onsite solar energy solutions are impractical. It fosters greater inclusivity in adopting renewable energy, enabling a variety of stakeholders to participate in and benefit from clean energy production. However, the study identifies several major challenges, including regulatory restrictions, the need for infrastructure development, a shortage of developers, state contributions, public awareness, and the creation of a unified platform.

Lifecycle carbon footprints of buildings and sustainability pathways in China

The Paris Agreement, with a 2 °C temperature increase baseline and a 1.5 °C target temperature increase, imposes challenges to the sustainability of buildings. However, as an end-user or end-of-the-art, the building sector overlaps with other sectors, such as industry and transportation in building materials manufacturing (such as steel, concrete, cement, etc. ) and electricity use (such as building-to-vehicle charging), imposing difficulties in lifecycle carbon footprint quantification in buildings. In this study, the lifecycle carbon footprint of buildings and sustainability pathways in China are provided. Tools and platforms for lifecycle carbon footprint quantification in buildings are reviewed. A global database for lifecycle carbon footprint quantification in buildings is reviewed and compared, together with an analysis of the advantages and disadvantages. Furthermore, decarbonization technologies in the building operation stage are comprehensively reviewed, including the decarbonization potential, technology readiness level (TRL), techno-economic performance, and current technical status. Pathways on carbon neutrality in building sectors in China are provided. The results indicate that inconsistencies in global databases, unclear definitions of lifecycle carbon emissions, and inaccurate models of building energy consumption are the main challenges for accurate lifecycle carbon analysis in buildings. Various carbon neutrality transformation technologies can be classified into ultralow energy building and near zero-energy building technologies and into efficient heat pump and smart metering technologies. Pathways for low-carbon transition in building sectors include building energy saving (330 million tCO2 with 22%), renewable energy supply (299 million tCO2 with 20%), building electrification and power sector decarbonization (450 million tCO2 with 30%), and carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) technology (420 million tCO2 with 28%). These research results can pave the way for upcoming studies on the lifecycle carbon footprint in buildings and sustainability pathways in China.

Evaluating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the geospatial distribution of buildings' carbon footprints associated with electricity consumption

The carbon footprint (CF) linked to electricity consumption in buildings has become a significant environmental issue because of its significant role in greenhouse gas emissions. This study seeks to assess and examine the CF of electricity consumption in buildings across various building types. Additionally, this paper aims to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the CF of buildings. The investigation involves a comparative analysis between the CF values observed and predicted during the years affected by the pandemic. Additionally, the study evaluates the influence of the pandemic on the accuracy of CF model predictions by employing three distinct machine-learning models. Spatial analyses were conducted to identify clustering patterns of CF and identify areas of both high and low CF concentrations within the study area. The findings demonstrate significant disparities in the CF of electricity consumption across distinct building types, with residential buildings emerging as the largest contributors to carbon emissions. Moreover, the pandemic has had a notable impact on CF patterns, leading to alterations in the areas identified as hotspots and cold spots during the pandemic years compared to the pre-pandemic period, based on building types.

Technical State, Renovation Need and Performance of Renovation Solutions of Estonian Wooden Log Houses

The wooden log house serves as a prevalent architectural archetype in rural regions of several Nordic and Baltic countries. To ensure the long-lasting nature of these buildings, proper maintenance is imperative. However, in order to meet the evolving expectations of residents and minimize the environmental impact, a deep renovation is currently required. To successfully achieve the goals of this renovation wave and effectively address the personal needs of the homeowners, it is crucial to develop systemic renovation solutions that can be offered through a digital renovation passport. Consequently, the purpose of this study is to identify common damages, renovation requirements, and evaluate current renovation practices. The findings will serve as a crucial resource for the development of a digital renovation passport. In our study, we utilize rural wooden log houses (comprising 208 houses, 4 years of data) as our research subject. The building elements that are most in need of renovation are the external walls, roofs, and foundations, which require renovation in 77%, 63%, and 63% of the buildings, respectively. The primary cause of damage to the vulnerable structures is excessive moisture. Additionally, decay in the foundation can be attributed to factors such as erosion of mortar, frost, insufficient plinth height, inadequate foundation depth, and inadequate moisture protection. Recommendations provided by consultants primarily focus on restoring and preserving the dwellings' original architectural appearance. As a result, they are deemed insufficient in terms of improving energy performance and indoor climate. This lack of comprehensive consultation is concerning as it fails to consider the potential for cost efficiency, minimizing disruption to occupants, and achieving a comprehensive end result. The absence of recommendations for enhancing indoor climate, energy efficiency, general living quality, and reducing the building's carbon footprint performance the necessity for such renovation solutions and the importance of educating professionals and homeowners. The study's novelty lies in the establishment of statistical probabilities for damages and their causes, as well as the assessment of renovation and maintenance needs and the quality of existing recommendations. Results are scaled to the Estonian building stock, showing the renovation need on national scale. The findings can be incorporated into the digital renovation passport, along with specific renovation goals related to a given house.

A methodology to simulate peak water demand for water supply systems using semi-direct methods: A case study for a residential building in Mexico

Historically, approaches for determining peak water demand in buildings have been based on probabilistic methods. Extensive research has shown that these methods lack accuracy because of the human factor in the probability of use. Inaccuracy in the calculation of peak water demand is the main cause of oversized water supply systems in buildings. This has led to unfavorable effects such as: 1) increasing the building carbon footprint due to the use of more construction materials, and 2) engendering health hazards due to the stagnation of water causing microbial growing. This paper presents a step-by-step methodology that serves to calculate the peak water demand by simulating the use of plumbing fixtures based on data obtained from standardized flowrate. With the implementation of the methodology, the peak water demand estimated was 2.6 times lower in comparison to traditional methods. The main conclusion drawn from the research is the potential of the methodology to easily simulated peak water demand in residential buildings in the short term. Thus, it reveals a hotspot for peak water demand calculation and can serve as routes for future research.

Innovative Biomaterials in Green Construction: Economic Benefits and Challenges

The integration of biotechnology in green building represents a cutting-edge approach that harnesses biological processes to enhance sustainability and efficiency in construction practices. This abstract explores modern strategies and provides examples of how biotechnology is revolutionizing green building. Biotechnology offers innovative solutions to traditional challenges in green building, leveraging biological systems to optimize resource utilization, energy efficiency, and waste reduction. By integrating living organisms, biomaterials, and biological processes into building design and construction, biotechnology enables the development of structures that are not only environmentally friendly but also adaptive and resilient.One modern approach involves incorporating living organisms such as algae, bacteria, and fungi into building materials to enhance their performance. For example, algae can be used in bio-facades to capture carbon dioxide and produce oxygen, contributing to improved indoor air quality and reducing the building's carbon footprint. Similarly, bacteria can be embedded in concrete to repair cracks autonomously, increasing the durability and lifespan of structures while minimizing maintenance needs.

A BIM-based Framework for Quantifying Embodied Emissions from MEP Systems in Building Life Cycle Assessments

Embodied emissions from Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing systems (MEP) in buildings contribute substantially to the carbon footprint of buildings. Because of lack of standardized methods, reliable data, and environmental product declarations (EPD), MEP systems have typically been excluded from Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs). With increasing emission reduction efforts for other building components, the share of embodied emissions for MEP will rise if not focused on. This research fills the gap by introducing a comprehensive framework for quantifying embodied emissions for Mechanical and plumbing systems (MP). Our approach includes three main components: a BIM based embodied emissions calculation methodology, an EPD database, and guidelines for estimating emissions in data gaps. Seamless integration into the building information model (BIM) tool Revit, allows MEP designers to access real-time emissions data and engage in iterative design for reduced carbon footprint. Testing of the framework on a building in the design-stage indicates that emissions from replacement of components can constitute up to 50% of total material emissions for MP during the calculation period, that the emissions from MP can be in the order of 8-20 % of the total emissions from material use in a new office building and that ventilation, heating and fire suppression constitute the largest contribution to the total. Optimization of MP-solutions appears to offer substantial emission reduction.

Virtual Prosumers and the Impact of Remote Solar Parks on Lithuania’s Buildings Decarbonization Efforts

Abstract To reduce the carbon footprint of buildings, the concept of virtual prosumers (consumers who both consume and produce) using remote solar energy parks represents a novel method in Europe. In 2019, Lithuania became the first country in Europe to introduce a digital platform that enables the buying or renting of parts of a remote solar park, making it the first such platform in the world to operate on a national scale. This study examines the effectiveness of this model in Lithuania, assessing the model’s success, public engagement, and success factors. The main study focus is on evaluating the impact of remote solar parks on the decarbonization of buildings, particularly through the prism of virtual prosumer participation. This study integrates both qualitative and quantitative data. The quantitative analysis includes a detailed case study, evaluating the amount of energy produced by two selected remote solar parks in Lithuania, as well as their impact on the carbon dioxide emissions and primary energy use of the two individual houses (a detached house and a unit within an apartment building) connected to these remote power plants. In Case Study A, the renewable primary energy usage was 22.19 kWh/m2 compared to a minimal 0.22 kWh/m2 of non-renewable energy (CO2 emissions 0.0 kgCO2/kWh). Case Study B showed 181.38 kWh/m2 of renewable energy versus 3.63 kWh/m2 of non-renewable energy (CO2 emissions 6.17 kgCO2/kWh). Concurrently, qualitative methods involve analysing the existing legal and economic frameworks in Lithuania and Europe, which either facilitate or impede the prosumer model, in addition to examining the necessary technological infrastructure. Key findings of this study highlight the potential of remote solar energy parks to significantly reduce the carbon emissions of buildings. This model is especially beneficial for structures where onsite solar energy solutions are impractical. It fosters greater inclusivity in adopting renewable energy, enabling a variety of stakeholders to participate in and benefit from clean energy production. However, the study identifies several major challenges, including regulatory restrictions, the need for infrastructure development, a shortage of developers, state contributions, public awareness, and the creation of a unified platform.

Forecasting the carbon footprint of civil buildings under different floor area growth trends and varying energy supply methods

The energy consumption and carbon footprint of buildings are significantly impacted by variations in building area and the number of households. Therefore, it is crucial to forecast the growth trend of building area and number of households. A validated time series model is used to predict the new building area in Jilin Province from 2023 to 2030. The new building area in Jilin Province is expected to exhibit two trends of growth in the future: rapid growth (S1) and slow growth (S2). By 2030, under the S1 growth trend, the residential construction area and public building construction area in Jilin Province are expected to be 30.26 Mm2 (million square meters) and 7.23 Mm2, respectively. If the future floor area grows slowly under the S2 trend, the new floor area of different types will be 8.26 Mm2 and 1.33 Mm2 by 2030, respectively. The population growth shows a downward trend. Therefore, the energy consumption and carbon footprint of new buildings with different growth trends of floor areas and the number of households can be predicted. The energy consumption of new buildings shows an increasing trend from 0.32 Mtce in 2023 to 0.55 Mtce in 2030 under the S1 trend and a slight downward trend under the S2 trend. The carbon footprint is expected to be reduced by 0.017–0.311 million tons of CO2 when using heat pumps to supply 10–50% of the heat and wind and solar to supply 10–50% of the electricity. For every 10% increase in the use of ultra-low energy buildings, the energy consumption of civil buildings decreases in the range of 0.0063–0.028 Mtce. If the use of heat pumps and renewable energy increases by 10%, the energy consumption of civil buildings decreases in the range of 0.0054–0.0249 Mtce.

Life Cycle Assessment and Building Information Modeling Integrated Approach: Carbon Footprint of Masonry and Timber-Frame Constructions in Single-Family Houses

The analysis of the carbon footprint of buildings is a key tool for assessing the impact of different buildings on climate change. Several frameworks and methodologies are available to calculate the footprint of buildings, including standards and norms, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), and dedicated software tools. The use of Building Information Modeling (BIM) programme for these calculations is both scientifically justified and very practical. This scientific publication focuses on the application of a BIM-based research methodology to analyse the carbon footprint of a single-family house. The research process included the following steps: (i) the design of a single-family house with masonry construction using Archicad 26, BIM programme, (ii) simulation of the building energy performance using the EcoDesigner Star plug-in, (iii) LCA using the plug-in for Archicad, (iv) preparation of a second model with timber-frame construction for comparison, and (v) comparative analysis of the single-family house models with masonry construction (building A) and timber-frame (building B). Analysis of the results highlights significant differences in CO2e emissions between buildings and the varying impact of individual elements on the total CO2e emissions of the buildings studied. Building A had significantly higher net emissions, amounting to 43,226.94 kg CO2e, in stark contrast to Building B’s significantly lower 13,522.13 kg CO2e. This discrepancy was also mirrored in the emission intensity, with Building A emitting at a rate of 281.06 kg CO2e/m2 compared to Building B’s 96.72 kg CO2e/m2. These findings are relevant for future work on sustainable building design and construction aiming to minimise negative environmental impacts. The goal of minimising the cumulative carbon footprint of buildings is critical to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and combating climate change.

Carbon handprint – a review of potential climate benefits of buildings

ABSTRACT As buildings account for 39% of greenhouse gas emissions, the building sector is essential for pursuing carbon neutrality. Carbon footprints of buildings are currently emerging in the legislation of European countries. However, the concept of carbon neutrality calls for both reducing emissions and increasing carbon sinks and storages. The concept of ‘carbon handprint’ describes potential climate benefits that are related to a product, service, or an organization. Although an increasing body of scientific and professional literature exist on the concept, there are no standards for guiding its quantification in the context of buildings. Furthermore, examples demonstrating the potential of building related carbon handprints are still scarce. In this article, we examine and evaluate different climate benefits that can be utilized in life-cycle assessment of buildings. We test them through a case study of a wooden apartment building. Our results indicate that methodologically most mature handprints include carbon storage in bio-based products, carbonation of concrete, surplus energy, as well as reuse, recycling, and energy recovery. In our study, the relative size of the calculated handprints varies considerably between 39% and 87% of the building’s footprint. However, uncertainties and methodological development needs should be addressed in the standardization work.

Direct-expansion solar-assisted heat pump coupled with crystallisation-controlled supercooled PCM for shifting building electricity demand

This paper proposes a novel approach for improving the performance of a direct-expansion solar-assisted heat pump (DX-SAHP) system by integrating a crystallisation controllable phase change material (PCM) and building energy demand shifting strategy. The proposed system aims to reduce buildings' energy consumption while utilizing solar energy efficiently. Sodium acetate trihydrate (SAT) as the crystallisation controllable supercooled PCM has a promising feature of releasing the stored latent heat when it is externally triggered, allowing the user to control the stored heat whenever needed. In the study, the PCM can store the thermal energy generated by the DX-SAHP during peak solar hours in an efficient way. This stored energy can be released when solar energy is unavailable, but the heating is requested. This approach not only reduces the load on the heat pump system but also makes efficient use of the stored thermal energy by crystallisation controllable PCM. A detailed controlling methodology of the system is given, and heating output is controlled considering the level of solar irradiance. The proposed system was modelled and simulated using MATLAB, and the results show that the integration of crystallisation controllable PCM and building demand shifting strategy can significantly reduce the energy consumption of the buildings. On the low solar radiation day, the COP improvement compared to the air source heat pump system was found 9.4%, this improvement value can reach 77% on high solar radiation days. The system can also effectively utilize solar energy and reduce the overall carbon footprint of buildings.

Carbon Footprint Reduction Through Sustainable Renovation of Buildings

The escalating threat of climate change necessitates urgent global action to reduce carbon emissions and adopt sustainable practices. Buildings, as significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, require immediate attention and transformative solutions. This article delves into the concept of carbon footprint reduction through sustainable renovation of buildings, exploring essential strategies and initiatives in combating climate change and achieving environmental objectives. The paper begins with an introduction to the pressing issue of climate change, its correlation with carbon emissions from buildings, and the crucial importance of addressing the carbon footprint challenge in the construction sector. It introduces sustainable renovation as a viable solution to mitigate emissions. Through a comprehensive analysis, the article examines the impact of buildings on carbon footprints, highlighting statistics on global carbon emissions from the sector, scrutinizing energy consumption, and operational practices that contribute to heightened carbon footprints, and discussing the environmental consequences. The article then delves into key strategies for carbon footprint reduction, such as energy-efficient retrofitting, the integration of renewable energy sources, and water conservation methods. To highlight real-world success stories, the article presents case studies of sustainable renovation projects that have achieved substantial carbon emission reductions, shedding light on valuable lessons learned from these initiatives. Conclusively, the paper envisions the potential impact of sustainable renovation on global carbon emissions and offers recommendations to policymakers, stakeholders, and building owners to accelerate the transition towards sustainable building practices. In essence, this article provides a comprehensive overview of the significance of sustainable renovation in reducing the carbon footprint of buildings. By embracing collective efforts and committing to sustainable practices, a greener and more resilient future can be secured, ensuring a sustainable planet for generations to come.

Turning waste into insulation – A new sustainable thermal insulation board based on wheat bran and banana peels

As modern buildings are getting more and more energy efficient in their operation due to improvements in the insulation envelope and building technology, the embodied emissions of the used building materials become increasingly important for the overall carbon footprint of buildings. This necessitates the creation of materials, including thermal insulation materials, with low embodied emissions, such as biomass-based materials. Here, thermal insulation boards based on wheat bran, a milling by-product, were produced using water only or a banana peel slurry as a binder. The density dependence of the thermal conductivity and compressive strength was determined and the moisture uptake, microstructure and thermal stability were evaluated. The boards showed thermo-mechanical properties comparable to other materials based on low-value or waste biomass with their thermal conductivity ranging between 50 and 66 mW/(m·K) and stress at 10% strain values between 20 and 170 kPa. Surprisingly, the properties were not significantly different when comparing those prepared with and without the banana peel binder. The wheat bran insulation boards provide a proof-of-concept for a thermal insulation board with good thermal and mechanical properties and low embodied emissions based on a low-value agricultural by-product.