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Reuse and Retrofitting Strategies for a Net Zero Carbon Building in Milan: An Analytic Evaluation

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  • Daniela Besana

    (Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture (DICAr), University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy)

  • Davide Tirelli

    (Department of Civil Engineering and Architecture (DICAr), University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy)

Abstract

The building sector accounts for 38% of carbon emissions, the principal cause of climate change. To meet the targets set by the Paris Agreement, including zero net emissions by 2050, it is necessary that governments develop a culture of sustainability. Whole Life Carbon Assessment of a building, comprehensive of operational and embodied carbon (EC), is described by EN15978:2011. Net Zero Carbon Buildings (NZCB) achieve a balance of zero emissions during their life cycle, promoting both reduction and compensation by adopting many strategies (e.g., reuse of existing structures, design for adaptability and disassembly, circular economy principles). Choosing bio-based materials is also helpful to compensate for EC, thanks to the biogenic carbon stored during their growth. The aim of this research is to find out which strategies are relevant to meet NZCB target, in order to apply them to a case study of reuse of an abandoned building in Milan, highlighting the design process. Material quantities were extracted from the BIM model and imported in OneClick LCA to assess embodied carbon emissions (A1–A5 modules, material production and supply, transport, construction). The final design stage achieved a reduction of 91% in EC compared to a standard new construction, while the bio-based materials compensated for the rest. Further research can improve the Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) of materials and assess the entire building life cycle.

Suggested Citation

  • Daniela Besana & Davide Tirelli, 2022. "Reuse and Retrofitting Strategies for a Net Zero Carbon Building in Milan: An Analytic Evaluation," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(23), pages 1-24, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:23:p:16115-:d:991603
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Alessandro Greco & Daniela Besana & Valentina Giacometti & Mauro Mericco & Silvia Lombardi & Andrea Borlini & Roberto Turino & Cristiana Ruggeri, 2022. "The Transformation of Healthcare Buildings: The Challenges of the University of Pavia for Urban Regeneration," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(3), pages 1-17, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Michael Storck & Simon Slabik & Annette Hafner & Ruben Herz, 2023. "Towards Assessing Embodied Emissions in Existing Buildings LCA—Comparison of Continuing Use, Energetic Refurbishment versus Demolition and New Construction," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(18), pages 1-19, September.
    2. Fuat Emre Kaya & Antonello Monsù Scolaro, 2023. "Circularity as a Climate Change Mitigation Strategy in the Building Sector: The Stakeholder’s Involvement in the Interconnected Life Cycle Phases," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-16, May.

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