Including Carbon Dioxide and Sulphur Dioxide Production in the Lifetime Costs of Buildings

Abstract

Reduction in the consumption of operational (primary) energy and emissions of harmful gases has recently become the focus of attention of the civil engineering sector. In this context, there is also emphasized the energy consumption and emission production values associated with the whole life cycle of the construction materials used, which is referred to as “bundled energy consumption” and “bundled emissions”. This paper analyses the energy performance certificates in combination with the SBToolCZ methodology. Sustainability Building Tool is a methodology designed to assess the sustainability of buildings. This methodology is used to assess the environmental impact of buildings at different stages of their life cycle, such as production, operation and demolition of the building. The amount of carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide produced during the life cycle of buildings was determined by analysing and extending the building assessment data by the SBToolCZ methodology, which was subsequently valued and incorporated into the lifetime costs. The data from 17 case studies from the Czech environment were analysed. Taking these environmental impacts into account, valuing them and analysing the cash flows of investors and society shows the importance of paying increased attention to sustainable construction and reducing its negative impact on the environment and climate. Research data shows that 30% of the operating costs of buildings are the societal costs associated with CO2,eqv. and SO2,eqv. production.Reduction in the consumption of operational (primary) energy and emissions of harmful gases has recently become the focus of attention of the civil engineering sector. In this context, there is also emphasized the energy consumption and emission production values associated with the whole life cycle of the construction materials used, which is referred to as “bundled energy consumption” and “bundled emissions”. This paper analyses the energy performance certificates in combination with the SBToolCZ methodology. Sustainability Building Tool is a methodology designed to assess the sustainability of buildings. This methodology is used to assess the environmental impact of buildings at different stages of their life cycle, such as production, operation and demolition of the building. The amount of carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide produced during the life cycle of buildings was determined by analysing and extending the building assessment data by the SBToolCZ methodology, which was subsequently valued and incorporated into the lifetime costs. The data from 17 case studies from the Czech environment were analysed. Taking these environmental impacts into account, valuing them and analysing the cash flows of investors and society shows the importance of paying increased attention to sustainable construction and reducing its negative impact on the environment and climate. Research data shows that 30% of the operating costs of buildings are the societal costs associated with CO2,eqv. and SO2,eqv. production.