2026-04-27T12:58:00Zhttps://uvadoc.uva.es/oai/request

oai:uvadoc.uva.es:10324/729892025-03-06T13:58:50Zcom_10324_1170com_10324_931com_10324_894col_10324_1367

Palomar Torres, Amalia Rey Hernández, Javier María Rey Hernández, Alberto Rey Martínez, Francisco Javier 2024-12-23T10:19:49Z 2024-12-23T10:19:49Z 2024 Volume 97, 15 November 2024, 110868 2352-7102 https://uvadoc.uva.es/handle/10324/72989 10.1016/j.jobe.2024.110868 110868 Journal of Building Engineering 97 This study analyzes the CO2 equivalent emissions of a LEED-certified nearly Zero Energy Building (nZEB) using a simplified Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, aligned with EN 15978. Focusing on the building's energy performance across its life cycle, the study demonstrates that in 2022, 95 % of the energy used for heating came from renewable sources, which decreases to 86 % by 2050 due to milder winters. However, the need for cooling increases by 9 % over the same period due to hotter summers. By 2050 and 2080, if the EU transitions to renewable electricity, the operational Global Warming Potential (GWP) could approach zero. The study highlights that embodied emissions (69 %) outweigh operational emissions (31 %) in 2022, emphasizing the need to reduce embodied GWP through material reuse and recycling. Notably, concrete and aluminum were found to contribute the most to embodied emissions. The research also shows that nZEBs can exceed the EU's 2030 energy targets, with renewable energy contributing 67 % of the building's total consumption. As climate change favors nZEB performance, the operational emissions will trend towards zero, but embodied emissions will become increasingly significant. To achieve the EU's zero-emission goals, it is crucial to prioritize reducing embodied GWP in future nZEBs. This study underscores the importance of nZEBs in mitigating climate change impacts, offering a pathway toward sustainable construction and energy efficiency. application/pdf spa Elsevier info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess A novel life cycle assessment methodology for transitioning from nZEB to ZEB. Case-study info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion SI