Life Cycle Energy Analysis of An Academic Building (3-C-9 Type Design of CLPIU-Education): A Case Study of Kathmandu Valley

Abstract

A life cycle energy analysis of a 648.12 m2 , three-story structure with an expected 60- year life span is undertaken as part of a thorough case study. For the building structure, façade, interior layout, and finishes, an inventory of all installed materials and material substitutions was undertaken. The foundation, structural frames, masonry work, and finishing work account about 22 %, 32 %, 14 %, and 13 % of total embodied energy, respectively. The work of concreting accounts for 59 percent of the total embodied energy. The total embodied energy of the brick masonry is 16 percent. During construction, the material footprint is 1448.77 kg/m2 . The principal energy usage for cooling and lighting is calculated using computer simulations. The main energy intensity of the building is expected to be 2.9 x 104 GJ over its lifetime. The manufacturing of building materials, their transportation to the location, and the construction of the building account for 12.11 percent of life cycle fundamental energy consumption, with operating energy accounting for the remaining 87.89 percent. This clearly demonstrates that energy use is focused in the operational stage of a building throughout its existence. This study demonstrates that life cycle energy analysis of a building can successfully lead to a sustainable and energy efficient building. In a broader sense, building life cycle energy analysis will assist in understanding the energy consumption pattern of a building, which can be used to maintain energy efficiency in the design and construction of the building.