Life cycle analysis of energy consumption and CO2 emissions from a typical large office building in Tianjin, China

Tiejian Tower, a large public building in Tianjin, China, is one of the many energy-efficient buildings the country has built to reduce energy consumption and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Based on first-hand data from the project and using an ecological input-output table, the embodied energy and CO2 emissions for that building were estimated for its life cycle. Four scenarios were designed to assess the impacts of space heating and power mix, and sensitivity analysis was conducted to examine the major factors that can reduce CO2 emissions. The operational stage consumed more energy than any other stage, and contributed the most to CO2 emissions. The influence of energy-efficient equipment and their lifespan on energy consumption and CO2 emissions varied greatly. Policies that encourage construction of buildings with longer lifespans and promote energy-saving measures can reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions in the buildings sector. The state should also supervise the operation of large buildings, involve large public buildings in future emissions-trading systems, and consider the power mix while planning such buildings.