A Comparative Study of Carbon Emissions in the Whole Life Cycle of Old Building Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Scenarios

Abstract

 This paper provides a comprehensive comparison of carbon emissions, cost-effectiveness, and disaster risk mitigation between old building rehabilitation and reconstruction scenarios through a full life cycle assessment (LCA) framework, combined with the China Building Carbon Emission Calculation Standard. The results show that the reconstruction scenario has higher carbon emissions and high initial investment but better structural resistance to disasters. In contrast, the retrofit scenario has reduced carbon emissions and initial costs but increases its post-disaster recovery needs. This study highlights the importance of balancing short-term economics with long-term carbon reduction. Future research should extend to different climate zones and building types, incorporate carbon emissions during the demolition phase, and explore carbon trading mechanisms, thus providing policymakers and practitioners with a basis for optimizing building retrofit decisions and contributing to global carbon neutrality goals.