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Methodology to Evaluate the Embodied Primary Energy and CO 2 Production at Each Stage of the Life Cycle of Prefabricated Structural Systems: The Case of the Solar Decathlon Competition

Author

Listed:
  • J.F. Luna-Tintos

    (Faculty of Engineering, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Santiago de Querétaro 76010, Mexico)

  • Carlos Cobreros

    (Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Arquitectura, Arte y Diseño, Santiago de Querétaro 76130, Mexico)

  • Álvaro López-Escamilla

    (Higher Technical School of Architecture, University Institute of Architecture and Construction Sciences, University of Seville, 41012 Seville, Spain)

  • Rafael Herrera-Limones

    (Higher Technical School of Architecture, University Institute of Architecture and Construction Sciences, University of Seville, 41012 Seville, Spain)

  • Miguel Torres-García

    (Energy Engineering Department, University of Seville, Camino de los Descubrimientos, s/n, 41092 Seville, Spain)

Abstract

The construction industry is responsible for a high percentage of the energy consumed on the planet and the emission of greenhouse gases, therefore it is considered necessary to rethink many of the processes that this industry carries out in order to reduce its environmental impact. For this, one of the paths could take into account the Life Cycle Assessment of the used materials, for which it is necessary to evaluate this aspect through indicators that allow the qualification and quantification of the weight of these environmental impacts. In this context, this article presents a methodological proposal for the quantitative evaluation of the embodied primary energy and CO 2 production at each stage of the life cycle of prefabricated structural systems, taking as case studies eight prototypes from the “Solar Decathlon” competition in its editions of Europe (2014), United States (2015) and Latin America (2015), through a Simplified Life Cycle Analysis, using the Eco Audit tool from CES Edupack. Through this analysis, conclusions are drawn about the optimization of a structural system with lower environmental demand and the possibilities of transferring knowledge from this competition to be applied in innovative systems of new housing models.

Suggested Citation

  • J.F. Luna-Tintos & Carlos Cobreros & Álvaro López-Escamilla & Rafael Herrera-Limones & Miguel Torres-García, 2020. "Methodology to Evaluate the Embodied Primary Energy and CO 2 Production at Each Stage of the Life Cycle of Prefabricated Structural Systems: The Case of the Solar Decathlon Competition," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(17), pages 1-15, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:13:y:2020:i:17:p:4311-:d:401474
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Eric D. Williams & Christopher L. Weber & Troy R. Hawkins, 2009. "Hybrid Framework for Managing Uncertainty in Life Cycle Inventories," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 13(6), pages 928-944, December.
    2. Buyle, Matthias & Braet, Johan & Audenaert, Amaryllis, 2013. "Life cycle assessment in the construction sector: A review," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 26(C), pages 379-388.
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    4. Asdrubali, F. & Baggio, P. & Prada, A. & Grazieschi, G. & Guattari, C., 2020. "Dynamic life cycle assessment modelling of a NZEB building," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 191(C).
    5. Rafael Herrera-Limones & Ángel Luis León-Rodríguez & Álvaro López-Escamilla, 2019. "Solar Decathlon Latin America and Caribbean: Comfort and the Balance between Passive and Active Design," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(13), pages 1-17, June.
    6. J.F. Luna-Tintos & Carlos Cobreros & Rafael Herrera-Limones & Álvaro López-Escamilla, 2020. "“Methodology Comparative Analysis” in the Solar Decathlon Competition: A Proposed Housing Model based on a Prefabricated Structural System," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(5), pages 1-17, March.
    7. Asdrubali, Francesco & Baldinelli, Giorgio & D’Alessandro, Francesco & Scrucca, Flavio, 2015. "Life cycle assessment of electricity production from renewable energies: Review and results harmonization," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 42(C), pages 1113-1122.
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    Cited by:

    1. Kaitong Xu & Haibo Kang & Wei Wang & Ping Jiang & Na Li, 2021. "Carbon Emission Estimation of Assembled Composite Concrete Beams during Construction," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-14, March.

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