Life cycle carbon emissions inventory of brick masonry and light steel framing houses in Brasilia: proposal of design guidelines for low-carbon social housing

Brick masonry houses in Brasília emit significantly less carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂eq) over their lifecycle compared to light steel framing houses, with the operational phase contributing 50–70% of total emissions. This study highlights that construction accounts for 20–30%, maintenance 11–20%, and end-of-life phases negligible emissions (<1%). The findings underscore the importance of considering varying CO₂eq emission factors from Brazil's electrical grid when assessing operational phase impacts, as well as the influence of occupancy schedules (full vs. part-time). Based on these insights, design guidelines for low-carbon social housing were proposed to mitigate environmental footprints in urban development.

Caldas, L. R., Lira, J. S. d. M. M., Melo, P. C. d., & Sposto, R. M. (2017). Life cycle carbon emissions inventory of brick masonry and light steel framing houses in Brasilia: proposal of design guidelines for low-carbon social housing. Ambiente Construído, 17(3), 71–85. https://doi.org/10.1590/s1678-86212017000300163