Swiss residential stock model_biogenic carbon storage
Description
The model evaluates the carbon storage potential of the Swiss building stock through the use of bio-based materials in the construction and renovation of buildings in Switzerland.
Files
Steps to reproduce
This project builds a dynamic numerical model to estimate the evolution of construction activities and their respective emissions up to 2050. Using life cycle assessments (LCA) of buildings based on real-world cases, we calculate the environmental impacts and material requirements. The current building stock is reconstructed using building registry data, and archetypes are applied to define the surface areas of building elements. This allows the impact to be calculated per square meter of energy reference area. Key Steps in the Model: Calculating Total Impact of the Building Stock: The total environmental impact is based on the evolution of the energy reference area: a) Renovated areas are computed annually using a configurable renovation rate. b) Demolished areas are calculated similarly. Calculating Newly Constructed Areas: The model assumes population growth projections from the Swiss 2050 scenario. Total surface requirements are estimated as the population (configurable) multiplied by the square meters per person (also configurable). The difference between the total required surface and the existing stock (including demolished areas) determines the area to be newly constructed. Impact and Material Calculations: For each scenario, archetype, and building type, the evolution of building surfaces is multiplied by the impacts and material requirements per square meter. Configurable Parameters: Renovated areas Demolished areas Square Meters Per Inhabitant Scenario: The impact and material data are derived from LCAs of four building types (SFH and MFH) across real-world cases, including both new construction and renovation. For each case, three scenarios are provided: Optimistic, Medium Business-as-Usual (BAU) This flexibility allows users to simulate various scenarios and evaluate the potential outcomes on emissions and resource use.
Institutions
- HES-SO Fribourg
- HES-SO Geneve
- Eidgenossische Technische Hochschule Zurich