Abstract (reduced version – full abstract at link)

This study examines strategies for reducing cumulative greenhouse gas emissions from the Swiss building stock to comply with IPCC carbon budgets by 2050. The study concludes that maintaining a business-as-usual approach would exceed the 2°C target, emphasizing the need for integrated strategies that consider both operational and embodied emissions. The results show that increasing renovation rates without reducing the carbon content of materials will not meet climate goals. The interactive visualization tool developed allows for the exploration of various long-term strategies, providing a valuable resource for policymakers to understand the impact of different parameters on emission reduction targets.

Authors

Alina Galimshina a, Maliki Moustapha b, Alexander Hollberg c, Pierryves Padey d, Sébastien Lasvaux d, Bruno Sudret b, Guillaume Habert a

Abstract (reduced version)

This paper addresses the gaps between current practices in the Swiss construction sector and future climate goals, presenting and quantifying specific targets necessary to align with these goals. It underscores the urgent need for short-term solutions with long-term effects, noting that the construction sector currently lacks clear and aligned targets. The study benchmarks current and future developments in the sector, aiming to quantify the knowledge and technical gaps relative to climate goals, and emphasizes the need for coordinated efforts from all parties involved to meet these challenging objectives.

Abstract (reduced version)

Building renovation is urgently needed to reduce environmental impact, typically involving envelope insulation and replacing fossil-based heating systems. This paper offers strategies for effective renovation, considering uncertainties in future climate, energy grids, and user behaviors using life cycle assessment and cost analysis. It identifies optimal renovation options for buildings in Switzerland, emphasizing the importance of heating system replacements. Incorporating bio-based insulation materials balances environmental impact reduction with low energy costs, supporting low-carbon transformations while avoiding carbon spikes from renovation.

The transdisciplinary research project "Renovation Buildings, yes! But how?" between the Chair of Sustainable Construction at ETH Zurich, the USYS Td Lab at ETH Zurich and the Department of Design at ZHdK is addressing environmental impacts attributed to the building sector and providing solutions for renovations of existing buildings that are environmentally friendly, climate resistant and cost-efficient.

Interview

Hochschulmagazin Zett (edition 01/23, p. 36): «new energy for old buildings»