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Assessment of CO2 emissions reduction in high-rise concrete office buildings using different material use options

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  • Chau, C.K.
  • Hui, W.K.
  • Ng, W.Y.
  • Powell, G.

Abstract

This study applied the Monte Carlo method to generate probabilistic distributions for describing the CO2 footprint of the superstructure of a high-rise concrete office building. The distribution profile was constructed with the material use data collected from thirteen high-rise office concrete buildings in Hong Kong. Our results indicate that the superstructure of an office building (i.e. it does not embrace foundation or basement), on average, had a footprint of 215.1kgCO2/m2. External walls and upper floor construction had the highest CO2 footprint, followed by suspended ceilings and finishes. These three elements altogether accounted for an average of 84.2% of the CO2 footprint associated with the superstructure. Furthermore, this study also evaluated the emissions reduction impacts of five different material use options over a 60-year lifespan. Among all the studied options, the most effective option is to maintain 15–30% of the existing structural and non-structural building elements as it can reduce the CO2 footprint by 17.3%. Diverting construction wastes to recycling can reduce the CO2 footprint by 5.9%. Reusing resources and importing regional materials can each only reduce the CO2 footprint by 3.2% and 3.1% respectively. In contrast, the CO2 footprint will be increased by 5% if off-site fabricated materials are used in facades, slabs and partition walls.

Suggested Citation

  • Chau, C.K. & Hui, W.K. & Ng, W.Y. & Powell, G., 2012. "Assessment of CO2 emissions reduction in high-rise concrete office buildings using different material use options," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 61(C), pages 22-34.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:recore:v:61:y:2012:i:c:p:22-34
    DOI: 10.1016/j.resconrec.2012.01.001
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Seo, Seongwon & Kim, Junbeum & Yum, Kwok-Keung & McGregor, James, 2015. "Embodied carbon of building products during their supply chains: Case study of aluminium window in Australia," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 105(PA), pages 160-166.

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