A workflow to obtain whole-life low-embodied GHG emissions buildings

Numerous studies have investigated strategies to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated over the lifespan of buildings; however, no methodical approach integrates, classifies, and prioritises all these strategies into project development stages. Thus, this study addresses this deficiency by developing a workflow to obtain whole-life low embodied GHG emissions buildings. The workflow is developed based on three pillars: a systematic review on the embodied GHG emissions reduction strategies in buildings, adopted project development stages compatible with the RIBA and AIA plans of work, and the authors’ experience in building design and construction processes. The proposed workflow can help the project team achieve the optimum embodied GHG emissions reduction for their buildings’ whole life cycle. The workflow comprises 38 ordered tasks, which are categorised into seven project development stages. Material Selection stage has the highest number of reduction strategies, with reduction possibilities ranging between 16% and 48%. The highest potential embodied GHG emissions reduction is up to 85% for the strategy of Avoiding Construction and Prioritising Alternatives to Building New in the Predesign stage. The tasks depend on collaboration between the project team to succeed.