Exploring the CO2-Impact for Building Height; A Study on Technical Building Installations

Building tall typically requires a different operational energy demand and additional material. The purpose of this article is to analyze the adaption of technical systems to increased building height with particular interest to CO2 emissions. The analysis is carried out through a Life Cycle Assessment, using Simapro. This study covers only commercial buildings ranging from 4 to 21 floors. The scope of the study is limited to cradle-to-gate. The calculation model is based on the material quantities of the different components in the technical systems and corresponding material emission factors. The results show that plumbing, HVAC and elevators in total cause a minimal increase of greenhouse gas emissions per square meter area with increased building height. The greenhouse gas emission trend up to 12 floors varies slightly and is highly dependent upon the technical system solution. From 12 to 21 floors there is a small increase in GHG emissions. As the change in greenhouse gas emissions per square meter appears to be minimal, it has been concluded in this study that the change in GHG emissions caused by technical installations is negligible.