A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON EMBODIED GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS OF LOW-RISE LIGHTWEIGHT STEEL-FRAMED RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS IN CHINA AND THE UK

ABSTRACT

This paper conducts a comparative analysis of the embodied greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of low-rise lightweight steel-framed (LSF) residential buildings in China and the United Kingdom (UK). Embodied GHG emissions accounts for 11% of all global emissions, yet they remain largely overlooked. As one of the largest potential markets for low-rise LSF residential buildings by 2030, China needs to place further emphasis on reducing the embodied GHG emissions in this sector. Meanwhile, the UK set an international benchmark by establishing a set of stringent environmental regulations. Using life cycle assessment (LCA), this study evaluates an LSF house design under both countries, focusing on local material sourcing, manufacturing, transportation, and construction techniques. The results show that embodied GHG emissions (excluding use stage) in China are 18.2% higher than in the UK when using local products. The UK has significantly lower construction stage emissions, due to more efficient installation and lower carbon intensity of the national electricity generation mix. The study underscores how local environments and practices impact embodied GHG emissions, offering insights for reducing carbon footprints in the construction sector in China.