Variations in whole-life carbon emissions of similar buildings in proximity: An analysis of 145 residential properties in Cornwall, UK

Abstract

Assessing and reducing the whole-life carbon emissions (WLCE) of buildings is essential to achieving global climate targets. Although many studies have examined building WLCE, there is a lack of understanding of the variability of WLCE for a large number of similar buildings in proximity and the key influencing factors. We fill these knowledge gaps by quantifying the WLCE of 145 residential properties in Cornwall, UK, following methods recommended in official standards and guidelines for building WLCE and using actual electricity consumption recorded by sensors, and then analysing correlations between the WLCE and a range of factors related to the properties and their occupants. We found significant variations in the WLCE among these 145 properties, ranging from 21 to 193 t CO2eq, with the WLCE intensity ranging from 0.5 to 2.6 t CO2eq/m2. There are strong correlations between WLCE and two factors: floor area and number of occupants, followed by number of bedrooms, type of property, window frame material, type of heating system, age of the main occupant, type of glazing, and loft insulation thickness. This suggests that both building attributes and occupant characteristics can result in significant variations in the WLCE of similar buildings in proximity. Therefore, both building design and occupant lifestyle need to be considered when developing strategies to reduce building WLCE.