A Practical Framework for the Design of Low-Carbon and Circular Building Structures

Kaveh Andisheh (), Amir ShahMohammadi () and Troy Coyle
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Kaveh Andisheh: Heavy Engineering Research Association (HERA), Auckland 2104, New Zealand
Amir ShahMohammadi: Heavy Engineering Research Association (HERA), Auckland 2104, New Zealand
Troy Coyle: Heavy Engineering Research Association (HERA), Auckland 2104, New Zealand

Sustainability, 2025, vol. 17, issue 12, 1-23

Abstract: The construction sector is responsible for nearly 40% of annual global carbon emissions. This includes approximately 28% from operational carbon, 23% from transportation, and 11% from building and infrastructure materials. Following a review of the literature and a survey, a Low-Carbon Circular Design Framework was developed. The Framework was piloted to develop specific design guidance for low-rise steel, steel–concrete, and steel–timber hybrid structures. The specific guidance is targeted at industry experts, researchers, and building designers. Additionally, a Low-carbon Circular Design Hierarchy and associated flowchart was proposed. The effectiveness of the Framework, specific guidance, and proposed design flowchart was evaluated through a real-world case study involving a three-story commercial building typical of this typology in Aotearoa New Zealand. The results demonstrated that a 57% reduction in carbon using the proposed hierarchy is readily achievable within the Aotearoa New Zealand context.

Keywords: circular design strategies; low-carbon design strategies; framework; climate change; low-carbon building design; practical LCA; Construction 4.0 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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