Systematic Review of Embodied Carbon Assessment and Reduction in Building Life Cycles

Published

September 18, 2024

Author(s)

Yating Zhang, Siamak Sattar, Dustin Cook, Katherine Johnson, Juan Fung

Abstract

The building and construction sector is the largest carbon emitter, accounting for more than one-third of annual global emissions. The emissions can be divided into operational and embodied carbon, associated with building operations and building materials, respectively. To achieve carbon neutral buildings, both operational and embodied carbon should be minimized throughout a building's life cycle. However, most climate research and action focus on minimizing operational carbon, while efforts to reduce embodied carbon have lagged. In this article, we review the methodologies used to assess embodied carbon emissions at each life cycle stage of a building. We compare the databases and tools designed for life cycle assessments (LCA) and examine the case studies that evaluate carbon reduction strategies. Four strategies are reviewed in this article: resilient design, structural retrofits, frame selection, and material specification. In addition, we identify areas of insufficient knowledge and outline future research needs for embodied carbon assessment and reduction. Finally, we provide an overview of international standards and building codes related to the embodied carbon of buildings. Overall, this review offers valuable guidance and insights to support ongoing decarbonization efforts in the building sector. By highlighting innovative strategies and best practices, it provides a useful resource for industry experts, policy makers, and researchers seeking to reduce carbon emissions and mitigate climate change.

Citation

Special Publication (NIST SP) - 1324

Report Number

1324

NIST Pub Series

Special Publication (NIST SP)

Pub Type

NIST Pubs

Download Paper

https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.SP.1324

Local Download

Keywords

Buildings, embodied carbon, life cycle assessment, natural disasters, damage and repair, resilient design, structural retrofits, design optimization, carbon offsets

Citation

Zhang, Y. , Sattar, S. , Cook, D. , Johnson, K. and Fung, J. (2024), Systematic Review of Embodied Carbon Assessment and Reduction in Building Life Cycles, Special Publication (NIST SP), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.SP.1324, https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=958514 (Accessed November 21, 2024)