Life cycle CO2 assessment method for concrete using CO2 balance and suggestion to decrease LCCO2 of concrete in South-Korean apartment

This study investigates a sustainable development method such as material, service life and reuse of concrete in terms of CO2 balance (emission–absorption) and LCCO2 (life cycle CO2) of concrete to suppress the reckless development in pursuit of economic profits in the construction industry of Korea. The CO2 balance and LCCO2 for the real apartment were evaluated by calculating the CO2 emission from concrete use and CO2 absorption from concrete carbonation during the service life of building as a case study. 20, 40, 60, 80, 100-year service life of a building were calculated respectively and compared during century. Based on the result of this study, the need for a sustainable development strategy such as (1) building service life expansion, (2) increase in use of blended cement in concrete, and (3) waste concrete reuse obligation as a recycled aggregate or a roadbed material, was proposed to facilitate sustainable development in the construction industry of South Korea.

► LCCO2 assessment method and sustainable development method for apartment buildings were proposed.
► This study investigated material, service life and reuse of apartment in Korea.
► The CO2 balance and LCCO2 of the real apartment buildings were evaluated.
► The CO2 emission and CO2 absorption of concrete during service life were considered.