Climate change is one of the most pressing global challenges of our time. Anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions, primarily CO₂, lead to rising temperatures on the planet with all the resulting negative consequences. The construction sector is one of the largest sources of CO₂ emissions. Buildings account for about 40% of global carbon dioxide emissions, making architectural planning a key area for implementing decarbonization in construction.
In this context, the issue of reducing the carbon footprint in architecture and construction becomes of paramount importance. A comprehensive approach is needed - from carbon accounting and energy-efficient design to retrofitting existing buildings. Architects are called to play a key role in creating an environmentally friendly and sustainable living environment through the implementation of carbon accounting methods in design.
"Architecture today is not just about aesthetics and functionality. It is, above all, a responsibility to future generations. Every designed building should minimize its carbon footprint throughout its entire life cycle, from construction to disposal," – notes Christos Passas, Design Director at Zaha Hadid Architects.
Carbon Accounting in Architecture: Understanding the Problem
Construction and operation of buildings are among the main sources of greenhouse gas emissions. According to experts, buildings account for about 40% of global CO₂ emissions. A building's carbon footprint represents the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions throughout its entire life cycle: from the extraction of construction materials to demolition.
Modern carbon accounting methods allow for detailed analysis of the carbon footprint at each stage of a building's life cycle (LCA) and make informed decisions to reduce it. Life cycle assessment of a building is becoming an essential tool for architects striving to create sustainable designs.
To reduce the carbon footprint, architects pay attention to the selection of low-carbon construction materials, energy efficiency of buildings, and integration of renewable energy sources in architecture. The architectural planning stage plays a key role. It is at this stage that decisions affecting future CO₂ emissions are made.
Embodied and Operational Carbon: Two Sides of the Same Coin
In building carbon accounting, two main components are distinguished: embodied carbon in construction and operational carbon footprint.
Embodied carbon includes CO₂ emissions associated with raw material extraction, material production, transportation, construction, maintenance, and disposal of the building. Operational carbon is related to emissions from building operation: heating, cooling, ventilation, lighting, and equipment operation.
| Method | Impact on Embodied Carbon | Impact on Operational Carbon | Economic Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Architecture and Biophilic Design | Medium | High | Medium payback period (3-7 years) |
| Energy-Efficient Building Retrofit | Low | Very High | Quick payback (2-5 years) |
| Use of Low-Carbon Materials | Very High | Medium | May be more expensive initially |
| Integration of Renewable Energy Sources | Low | Very High | Medium payback period (5-10 years) |
| Passive Cooling Technologies | Medium | High | High long-term savings |
The presented table demonstrates the diversity of approaches to reducing carbon footprint and their impact on various aspects of construction and operation. It is important to choose a combination of methods that is optimal for a specific project, taking into account climatic, economic, and cultural characteristics.
Retrofitting Existing Buildings: A Second Breath for Architecture
In addition to designing new buildings, it is critically important to reduce the carbon footprint of already constructed objects. For this purpose, retrofitting is carried out – a complex of measures for modernization and improvement of energy efficiency of existing buildings. Energy modernization and thermal renovation of buildings are becoming priority areas for many countries striving for carbon neutrality.
During retrofitting, solar panels and wind generators may be installed, facade insulation, replacement of windows and doors, and modernization of engineering systems may be carried out. Such measures can reduce energy consumption for heating, ventilation, and lighting by 30-50% or more. This significantly reduces the operational carbon footprint of the building and contributes to the overall decarbonization of construction.
Thermal modernization of historic buildings presents a special challenge, where it is necessary to preserve the architectural value of the object while simultaneously improving its energy efficiency. Modern technologies make it possible to find a balance between heritage preservation and carbon footprint reduction.
"Retrofitting existing buildings is not just a technical task, but an opportunity to rethink our cities. We can transform energy-inefficient structures of the past into carbon-neutral buildings of the future, while preserving the cultural identity of the urban environment," – believes François Roche, a pioneer in the field of sustainable reconstruction.
Success Story: Office Building Retrofit in Copenhagen
A 1970s office building in central Copenhagen was transformed into an energy-efficient complex with an almost zero carbon footprint. Before reconstruction, the building consumed about 280 kWh/m² per year, resulting in emissions of about 120 kg CO₂/m² annually. After a comprehensive retrofit, which included the installation of triple glazing, ventilated facades with heat recovery, solar panels, and geothermal pumps, energy consumption decreased to 58 kWh/m² per year. A carbon audit of the structure showed a reduction in emissions to 15 kg CO₂/m² – a decrease of 87%. Investments of 930 euros/m² paid off in 6.5 years due to savings in operating costs and an increase in the commercial value of sustainable architecture. The project received a platinum LEED certificate and became a demonstration object for green construction in Northern Europe.
Carbon-Neutral Design: Architecture of the Future
Modern technologies allow for the creation of carbon-neutral buildings, whose CO₂ emissions are fully compensated by renewable energy sources and careful calculation of CO₂ emissions at all stages. This is achieved through a complex of solutions within the framework of sustainable design.
First, maximum use of natural lighting, natural ventilation, efficient thermal insulation, as well as smart systems for energy saving and creating climatically adaptive buildings. Second, the use of environmentally friendly and local construction materials with low carbon intensity. Third, complete autonomy through the integration of solar panels, wind generators, heat pumps into the overall concept of green architecture.
BIM modeling for eco-design allows optimization of all aspects of the building at the design stage, taking into account the carbon footprint of each component and making informed decisions.
Such buildings not only reduce their own CO₂ emissions to zero but also allow for the generation of excess clean energy for other needs. Carbon neutrality in architecture is becoming not just a theoretical concept, but a practical reality defining the future of sustainable architecture.
| Standard Name | Region of Application | Main Requirements | Certification Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| LEED Zero Carbon | International (predominantly USA) | Zero balance of CO₂ emissions from operation | Supplement to the main LEED certification |
| BREEAM Outstanding | Europe, United Kingdom | 100% reduction in emissions compared to baseline | Takes into account the entire life cycle of the building |
| Passivhaus Plus | Germany, Europe | Ultra-low energy consumption and generation of renewable energy | Focus on energy efficiency and microclimate |
| Living Building Challenge | International | Net-positive energy balance, closed resource cycle | The strictest standard, includes social aspects |
| DGNB Climate Positive | Germany, international | Negative carbon footprint (CO₂ absorption) | Includes requirements for circular economy in construction |
This table shows the diversity of international approaches to certifying carbon-neutral buildings. The choice of appropriate standard depends on the specifics of the project, regional characteristics, and the client's ambitions in the field of sustainable development.
"Carbon-neutral architecture is not a utopia, but a necessity. We must rethink the very paradigm of design, where carbon balance becomes as important a parameter as strength or aesthetics. Our duty to future generations is to create buildings that not only do not harm the planet but contribute to its restoration," – emphasizes Jeanne Gang, founder of Studio Gang Architects.
Economic Aspects of Carbon Accounting and Retrofitting
The implementation of carbon accounting and energy-efficient retrofitting of buildings have not only environmental but also economic advantages. The cost of carbon retrofitting varies depending on the scale of work and the initial condition of the building, but in most cases, the payback period for energy-efficient modernization is 3-10 years.
Investments in green construction bring long-term economic benefits of decarbonization: reduced operating costs, increased property value, access to preferential financing and tax incentives. In some countries, subsidies for carbon modernization and grants for energy-efficient retrofitting are available, making such projects even more attractive.
With the implementation of carbon credit mechanisms in construction, sustainable buildings can generate additional income through the sale of emission reduction units. This creates new business models in the construction industry and stimulates the return on investment in retrofitting.
Conclusions
Carbon accounting and retrofitting in architectural planning are becoming key factors in the context of global climate change. A comprehensive approach, including carbon accounting, energy-efficient retrofitting of existing buildings, and designing carbon-neutral buildings, can significantly reduce CO₂ emissions in the construction sector.
Architects and designers play a key role in creating an environmentally friendly and sustainable living environment by applying the principles of green architecture and circular economy in construction. Modern methods of building life cycle assessment allow for making informed decisions at all stages of design and construction.
The transition to carbon neutrality in architecture is not only an ethical necessity but also an economically sound strategy that opens up new opportunities for innovation and value creation in the construction industry.
Recommended Literature for In-Depth Study
- Hawken, P. (2021). Regeneration: Ending the Climate Crisis in One Generation. Penguin Books.
- Birkeland, J. (2020). Net-Positive Design and Sustainable Urban Development. Routledge.
- Pomponi, F., & De Wolf, C. (2021). Embodied Carbon in Buildings: Measurement, Management, and Mitigation. Springer.
- Battle, G. (2019). Architecture and Systems Ecology: Thermodynamic Principles of Environmental Building Design. Routledge.
- Shiling, N., & Yuan, F. (2022). Carbon-Neutral Architectural Design, Second Edition. CRC Press.
- Leemans, T., & König, H. (2023). Building Life Cycle Assessment: Practical Guide to Performance Evaluation. Detail Publishers.
- Pelsmakers, S. (2022). The Environmental Design Pocketbook, 2nd Edition. RIBA Publishing.
- Barton, H., Grant, M., & Burgess, S. (2021). The Eco-Home Design Guide: Principles and Practice for New-Build and Retrofit. UIT Cambridge.