How Can Existing Buildings with Historic Values Contribute to Achieving Emission Reduction Ambitions?

Abstract

In line with the Paris Agreement, Norway aims for an up to 55% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels and to be a low-emission society by 2050. Given that 85–90% of today’s buildings are expected to still be in use in 2050, refurbishment and adaptive reuse of existing buildings can help in achieving the environmental goals. The aim of this work is to provide a holistic picture of refurbishment and adaptive reuse of existing buildings, including buildings with heritage values, seen from a life cycle perspective. The methods applied are a literature review of LCA studies and experiences from quantitative case study analysis of selected Norwegian case studies. The findings show that extending the service life of existing buildings by refurbishment and adaptive reuse has significant possibilities in reducing GHG emissions, keeping cultural heritage values, and saving scarce raw material resources. The findings show limited LCA studies, uncertainties in existing LCA studies due to variations in case-specific refurbishment or intervention measures, and a lack of transparent and harmonized background data and methodological choices. In conclusion, performing a holistic study covering the whole LCA and including socio-cultural values and economic aspects will enable supporting an argument to assert the sustainability of existing buildings.

From circular strategies to actions: 65 European circular building cases and their decarbonisation potential

“… IT Heat flow metre method, Uni Iso 9869 standard; LCA A1-A3 n.a. Demolition and new build L-R12 Villa Dammen 2 Fufa et al. (2021) Residential 1936 2015 117 NO LCA, NS 3720, EN 15,978, ISO 14,044/44, A1–3, B4, B6, C1–4 60 years L-R13 Statens Hus Vadsø Fufa et al.…”

“… Demolition and new build L-R12 Villa Dammen 2 Fufa et al. (2021) Residential 1936 2015 117 NO LCA, NS 3720, EN 15,978, ISO 14,044/44, A1–3, B4, B6, C1–4 60 years L-R13 Statens Hus Vadsø Fufa et al. (2021) Office 1936 2024 4297 NO LCA, NS 3720, EN 15,978, ISO 14,044/44, A1–3, B4, C1–4 60 years L-R14 San Pietro a Maiella e San Giacomo.…”

Production of Particleboard Using Various Particle Size Hemp Shives as Filler

“…Research into the identification of energy loss, life cycle assessment for materials, improved durability standards, and the switch to more carbon-neutral materials is already in progress. [ 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 ]. The use of plant-based ingredients and green biomass is an imminent alternative to timber resources and soon will be explored even more than in the past [ 10 , 11 , 12 ].…”

Potentials for emission reduction and value creation in the rehabilitation of existing building stock using input-output analysis

“…To achieve the 55% emission reduction target by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, a reduction of 60% GHG emissions, 14% final energy consumptions and 18% energy consumption for heating and cooling from buildings in EU by 2030 [2] is estimated to be needed. Given the larger proportion of existing buildings compared to the number of new buildings, and that majority of existing buildings are energy-inefficient, there is a need to assess the potential of energyefficient measures in the existing building stock [4]. Shifting from a linear to circular built environment and investigate potential environmental, economic, and social impacts, benefits and trade-offs using a dynamic input-output analysis method at different scales (at building, neighbourhood, city, region, country, global) over the entire life cycle is essential.…”