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A Parametric Integrated Design Approach for Life Cycle Zero-Carbon Buildings

Author

Listed:
  • Ehsan Kamel

    (Department of Energy Management, New York Institute of Technology, Old Westbury, NY 11568, USA)

  • Francesco Pittau

    (Department of Architecture Built Environment and Construction Engineering (ABC), Politecnico di Milano, Via Ponzio 31, 20133 Milan, Italy)

  • Laura Mora Dal Verme

    (Department of Energy Management, New York Institute of Technology, Old Westbury, NY 11568, USA
    School of Architecture Urban Planning and Construction Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Via Ampere 2, 20133 Milan, Italy)

  • Piergiorgio Scatigna

    (Department of Energy Management, New York Institute of Technology, Old Westbury, NY 11568, USA
    School of Architecture Urban Planning and Construction Engineering, Politecnico di Milano, Via Ampere 2, 20133 Milan, Italy)

  • Giuliana Iannaccone

    (Department of Architecture Built Environment and Construction Engineering (ABC), Politecnico di Milano, Via Ponzio 31, 20133 Milan, Italy)

Abstract

Implementing net-zero carbon design is a crucial step towards decarbonizing the built environment during the entire life cycle of a building, encompassing both embodied and operational carbon. This paper presents a novel computational approach to designing life cycle zero-carbon buildings (LC-ZCBs), utilizing parametric integrated modeling through the versatile Grasshopper platform. A residential building located at the New York Institute of Technology, optimized to fulfill the LC-ZCB target, serves as a case study for this comprehensive study. Four main influencing design parameters are defined, and three hundred design combinations are evaluated through the assessment of operational carbon (OC) and embodied carbon (EC). By incorporating biobased materials in the design options (BIO) as a replacement for conventional insulation (OPT), the influence of biogenic carbon is addressed by utilizing the GWPbio dynamic method. While both OPT and BIO registered similar OC, with values ranging below 0.7 kg CO 2 eq/m 2 a, the EC is largely different, with negative values ranging between −0.64 and −0.54 kg CO 2 eq/m 2 a only for BIO alternatives, while the OPT ones achieved positive values (2.25–2.45 kg CO 2 eq/m 2 a). Finally, to account for potential climate changes, future climate data, and 2099 weather conditions are considered during the scenario assessments. The results show that OC tends to slightly decrease due to the increasing productivity of PV panels. Thus, the life cycle emissions for all OPT alternatives decrease, moving from 2.4–3.0 kg CO 2 eq/m 2 a to 2.2–2.4, but none of them achieve the LC-ZCB target, while BIO alternatives are able to achieve the target with negative values between −0.15 and −0.60 kg CO 2 eq/m 2 a. There is potential for achieving LC-ZCBs when fast-growing biobased materials are largely used as construction materials, fostering a more environmentally responsible future for the construction industry.

Suggested Citation

  • Ehsan Kamel & Francesco Pittau & Laura Mora Dal Verme & Piergiorgio Scatigna & Giuliana Iannaccone, 2024. "A Parametric Integrated Design Approach for Life Cycle Zero-Carbon Buildings," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(5), pages 1-22, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:5:p:2001-:d:1348062
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Röck, Martin & Saade, Marcella Ruschi Mendes & Balouktsi, Maria & Rasmussen, Freja Nygaard & Birgisdottir, Harpa & Frischknecht, Rolf & Habert, Guillaume & Lützkendorf, Thomas & Passer, Alexander, 2020. "Embodied GHG emissions of buildings – The hidden challenge for effective climate change mitigation," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 258(C).
    2. Stephan, André & Stephan, Laurent, 2020. "Achieving net zero life cycle primary energy and greenhouse gas emissions apartment buildings in a Mediterranean climate," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 280(C).
    3. Tiwari, Sunil & Si Mohammed, Kamel & Guesmi, Khaled, 2023. "A way forward to end energy poverty in China: Role of carbon-cutting targets and net-zero commitments," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 180(C).
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