Reducing Transition Risks: A Life Cycle Assessment Approach to Residential Buildings with Integrated Sustainable Framework

This essay navigates the critical juncture of climate change mitigation and sustainable construction practices, employing a comprehensive analytical framework centered on the robust incorporation of a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The exploration is rooted in a profound understanding of the construction industry's substantial contribution, amounting to 38% of global emissions, with a specific emphasis on residential buildings and their consequential carbon footprint.

The advocacy for the implementation of a standardized carbon inventory and a meticulously defined system boundary constitutes a foundational aspect of this analysis. This endeavor draws upon well-established ISO standards, simultaneously subjecting the widely acknowledged LEED V4.1 to a comprehensive and rigorous critical examination. The utilization of precise carbon calculations, facilitated by sophisticated regression formulas, emerges as a pivotal tool, enabling the identification of salient life cycle hotspots within the construction sector. In advancing a proactive approach to carbon reduction, this essay delves into historical trends and introduces an institutional management framework, covering GRESB and SDGs. This multifaceted strategy not only addresses immediate challenges but strategically positions organizations within the construction industry to thrive. It adeptly navigates transition risks and seamlessly integrates sustainable practices, thus fostering a transformative paradigm within the sector. Within the specific context of Taiwan, where the majority of green buildings align with the widely accepted LEED system, the mission is unequivocal. The objective is to augment the LEED framework through the judicious incorporation of a tailored life cycle assessment that is attuned to the unique needs of the Taiwanese construction landscape. The overarching goal remains the establishment of an equitable, transparent, and easily comprehensible system, not only to present opportunities but also to effectively mitigate risks for construction companies.

The essay underscores the imperative of ensuring that buildings actively contribute to communities and the environment. This initiative aligns harmoniously with the ambitious target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, thereby engendering a positive and enduring impact for both present and future generations. The transformative narrative presented in this exploration emphasizes the pivotal role of sustainable construction practices in reshaping the trajectory of the construction industry towards a resilient and environmentally conscious future.