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Embodied vs. Operational Energy and Carbon in Retail Building Shells: A Case Study in Portugal

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  • Ana Ferreira

    (CERIS, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal)

  • Manuel Duarte Pinheiro

    (CERIS, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal)

  • Jorge de Brito

    (CERIS, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Rovisco Pais, 1, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal)

  • Ricardo Mateus

    (ISISE, School of Engineering, University of Minho, 4800-058 Guimarães, Portugal)

Abstract

(1) Background: The embodied energy of building materials is a significant contributor to climate change, in tandem with the energy use intensity (EUI). Yet, studies on the material impacts of European retail buildings, namely with relation to EUI, are missing. Hence, this study set out to: (i) evaluate the embodied energy and carbon emissions for a European retail building; (ii) quantify the material flow in terms of mass; (iii) compare the embodied aspects to the operational EUI and carbon use intensity (CUI); (iv) assess building materials with higher impacts; and (v) investigate strategies to mitigate materials’ impacts. (2) Methods: A Portuguese retail building was selected as a case study. A simplified LCA method was followed (cradle-to-gate), analysing the shell building materials in terms of primary energy demand and global warming potential. (3) Results: the embodied energy represented 32% of total lifecycle energy while the embodied carbon represented 94%. EUI was 1×kWh/m 2 /y while CUI was 21 kg CO 2 eq/m 2 /y. The embodied energy was 4248 kWh/m 2 , and the embodied carbon was 1689 kg CO 2 eq/m 2 . Cement mortar, steel, concrete, and extruded polystyrene were the most intensive materials. (4) Conclusions: The embodied impacts of the analysed store could decrease by choosing stone wool sandwich panels for the facades instead of extruded polystyrene panels and roof systems with metal sheet coverings instead of bitumen materials.

Suggested Citation

  • Ana Ferreira & Manuel Duarte Pinheiro & Jorge de Brito & Ricardo Mateus, 2022. "Embodied vs. Operational Energy and Carbon in Retail Building Shells: A Case Study in Portugal," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(1), pages 1-23, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:16:y:2022:i:1:p:378-:d:1018623
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ferreira, Ana & Pinheiro, Manuel Duarte & de Brito, Jorge & Mateus, Ricardo, 2019. "Decarbonizing strategies of the retail sector following the Paris Agreement," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 135(C).
    2. Edgar G. Hertwich & James K. Hammitt & William S. Pease, 2000. "A Theoretical Foundation for Life‐Cycle Assessment: Recognizing the Role of Values in Environmental Decision Making," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 4(1), pages 13-28, January.
    3. Ferreira, Ana & Pinheiro, Manuel Duarte & de Brito, Jorge & Mateus, Ricardo, 2018. "Combined carbon and energy intensity benchmarks for sustainable retail stores," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 165(PB), pages 877-889.
    4. Cabeza, Luisa F. & Rincón, Lídia & Vilariño, Virginia & Pérez, Gabriel & Castell, Albert, 2014. "Life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle energy analysis (LCEA) of buildings and the building sector: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 29(C), pages 394-416.
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    6. Rissman, Jeffrey & Bataille, Chris & Masanet, Eric & Aden, Nate & Morrow, William R. & Zhou, Nan & Elliott, Neal & Dell, Rebecca & Heeren, Niko & Huckestein, Brigitta & Cresko, Joe & Miller, Sabbie A., 2020. "Technologies and policies to decarbonize global industry: Review and assessment of mitigation drivers through 2070," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 266(C).
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    Cited by:

    1. Francesco Asdrubali & Gianluca Grazieschi & Marta Roncone & Francesca Thiebat & Corrado Carbonaro, 2023. "Sustainability of Building Materials: Embodied Energy and Embodied Carbon of Masonry," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(4), pages 1-28, February.

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