Energy-efficient and sustainable buildings from a life cycle perspective

The European Union targets to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. The building sector plays a significant role in this context, accounting for approximately 32 % of total energy use and 34 % of global greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, reducing the energy use and carbon footprint of buildings is essential for meeting this long-term climate target. To date, efforts in the building sector have focused primarily on reducing operational energy demand through strategies such as enhanced insulation in the building envelope, energy-efficient windows, and advanced heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems. However, the embodied energy and carbon emissions associated with the production of materials and components have largely been overlooked. In some cases, this has resulted in suboptimal outcomes when energy use and carbon footprint are assessed from a life cycle perspective. Therefore, a comprehensive approach that addresses both operational and embodied impacts, and enables buildings with a net-zero balance in energy use and climate impact over their entire life cycle, is essential for achieving the climate neutrality target by 2050.

The lecture is an obligatory teaching test for those applying for admittance as docent and it should be possible for students and others with basic academic education in the relevant field to follow it. The lecture lasts 40-45 minutes with subsequent discussion. The lecture will be given in Swedish.

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