Methods and tools to address GHG emissions in the early design stage of building renovations: A state-of-the-art review

Abstract

This paper presents a literature review of methods and tools applied in early design stages to address greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in renovation projects. The aim is to identify focus areas in existing research and to find potential research gaps. In the literature review, 21 papers were analysed and categorised according to four different themes. The results revealed a large difference in the choice of system boundaries within the literature, making comparison of reported emissions not comparable. Most case studies address residential buildings within the European context. There is a need for more research on GHG emissions related to the renovation of different building typologies in different locations. The article highlights the need for more standardised methods for calculating GHG emissions in early design stages, allowing for comparable results and better-informed decisions for building designers.