Research on the carbon emission intensity and carbon reduction potential of prefabricated concrete structures

• Quantifies the total carbon footprint of prefabricated concrete structures, revealing a lifecycle emission intensity of 1135.22 kgCO2e/m2. • The carbon emissions mainly come from hot-rolled steel bars and concrete, in the order of hot-rolled steel bars > concrete. • Maximum reduction potential of 11.12% for prefabricated concrete structures. Prefabricated concrete structures (PCS), while recognized as a greener alternative to conventional cast-in-place methods, still entail significant resource and energy consumption. This study employs a life cycle assessment to quantify the carbon emission intensity and reduction potential of a typical PCS. The results indicate a total lifecycle carbon emission intensity of 1135.22 kgCO 2 e/m 2 , with the material production stage being the largest contributor at 419.13 kgCO 2 e/m 2 . Scenario analysis reveals that promoting green building materials, such as recycled steel and concrete, can achieve a maximum emission reduction of 11.12% during the construction process. Under an optimistic scenario, this translates to a cumulative reduction potential of 94.33 million tCO 2 e in Shenzhen from 2025 to 2035. These findings provide a critical quantitative benchmark and a viable pathway for decarbonizing the building sector, offering valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders in promoting prefabricated construction.