Reducing embodied carbon in structural systems: A review of early-stage design strategies

Fang, Demi; Brown, Nathan C.; Wolf, Catherine De; Mueller, Caitlin

doi:10.1016/j.jobe.2023.107054

Cited by 19 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 141 publications

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“…Despite this extensive history and the prevalent use of cantilevers in modern architecture, research focused on the material efficiency and embodied carbon implications of cantilevered structures remains scarce [29]. However, recommendations for minimising embodied carbon in structural systems commonly highlight the importance of optimising structural form and reducing material use early in the design process [30,31].…”

Section: Cantilevers In Buildings 21 Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Embodied Carbon Premium for Cantilevers

Helal,

Trabucco,

Ruggiero

et al. 2024

Buildings

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This study addresses the critical need for sustainable architectural designs within the context of climate change and the significant role the built environment plays in greenhouse gas emissions. The focus of this paper is on understanding the influence of unbalanced cantilevers on the embodied carbon of structural systems in buildings, a subject that has, until now, remained underexplored despite its importance in architectural innovation and environmental sustainability. Employing a case study approach, the Melbourne School of Design (MSD) building serves as a primary example to assess the embodied carbon implications of cantilevered versus supported structures. The methodological framework encompasses a comparative embodied carbon assessment utilising an input–output-based hybrid life cycle inventory analysis approach. The findings reveal that unbalanced cantilevers in buildings, exemplified by the MSD building, can lead to a 10% increase in embodied carbon compared to alternative designs incorporating supporting columns. Such findings underscore the environmental premium for cantilevers, prompting a re-evaluation of design practices towards minimising embodied carbon. Through this investigation, the research contributes to the broader discourse on sustainable construction practices, offering valuable insights for both design practitioners and educators in the pursuit of improving the environmental performance of the built environment.

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Section: Cantilevers In Buildings 21 Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Embodied Carbon Premium for Cantilevers

Helal,

Trabucco,

Ruggiero

et al. 2024

Buildings

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“…5 It is well established that considering sustainable solutions like reducing embodied and operational carbon early in the design process improves design outcomes. 6 Students and practitioners benefit from having access to appropriate tools for implementing embodied-carbon analysis early. 7 Digital tools in particular have an important role to play in embodied carbon analysis, particularly in the early stages of design.…”

Section: Background and Relevant Literaturementioning

confidence: 99%

Embodied and Operational Carbon Analysis: A Grasshopper-Based Method for Visually Comparing Impacts of Material Choices

Christenson,

Gay,

Srivastava

2024

112th ACSA Annual Meeting Proceedings, Disruptors on the Edge

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This paper aims to describe and evaluate a parametric method for enabling embodied carbon analysis early in architectural design. The method utilizes Grasshopper, within Rhino, to convert volumes of modeled materials into equivalent volumes of carbon dioxide, providing a means to visualize and compare embodied carbon impacts. As described here, the parametric method is an extension of an earlier method developed within a graduate-level architecture design studio taught by authors Mike Christenson and Malini Srivastava, focused on renovating an existing building. The studio aimed to influence students’ awareness and consideration of embodied carbon impacts in their design processes. Author Robert Gay, a student in the studio, proposed an extension to the original method, increasing its relevance to early design decisions informed by awareness of embodied carbon impacts. The paper provides details on the extended method and its implementation, identifies limitations, and proposes specific enhancements.

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“…They find that the European code leads to the highest carbon emissions for the steel structures and average carbon emissions for concrete structures, and it results in a minor difference between the steel and concrete structures. Fang et al [18] confirm that structural design approaches can influence the carbon emissions of structural frames, in some cases leading to their significant reduction. Therefore, to ensure comparability among structural frames made of different materials, the same structural design approach should be used.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 98%

Primary Energy and Carbon Impacts of Structural Frames with Equivalent Design Criteria: Influence of Different Materials and Levels of Prefabrication

Piccardo,

Steinik,

Caffè

et al. 2024

Sustainability

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This study aims to analyze the life-cycle primary energy and climate impacts of structural frames, paying particular attention to the design and prefabrication of different structural materials. The study considers an existing single-story office building with a composite concrete–steel structure and compares it with two functionally equivalent structures, i.e., a conventional reinforced concrete structure and a conventional steel structure. The existing building is located in San Felice sul Panaro, Italy. This study integrates dynamic structural analysis and life-cycle assessment (LCA). The study finds that the use of different materials can reduce the life-cycle primary energy use and CO2-eq emissions by up to 12%. Furthermore, the benefits derived from the recovery and recycling of materials can reduce the primary energy use and CO2-eq emissions by up to 47% and 36%, respectively. The prefabrication of structural elements can also reduce the primary energy use and CO2-eq emissions in the construction stage. A sensitivity analysis considers changes in the electricity supply system and shows that the primary energy and CO2-eq emissions due to prefabrication decrease when assuming marginal electricity based on renewable energies. This analysis supports the development of sustainable structural design to meet the standards concerning the whole-life-cycle carbon emissions of buildings.

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Reducing embodied carbon in structural systems: A review of early-stage design strategies

Cited by 19 publications

References 141 publications

Embodied Carbon Premium for Cantilevers

Embodied Carbon Premium for Cantilevers

Embodied and Operational Carbon Analysis: A Grasshopper-Based Method for Visually Comparing Impacts of Material Choices

Primary Energy and Carbon Impacts of Structural Frames with Equivalent Design Criteria: Influence of Different Materials and Levels of Prefabrication

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