Li, J. and Li, Y. (2026) A mini review of greenhouse gas emissions and mitigation strategies in the building sector. International Journal of Building Pathology and Adaptation, 44(5), pp. 1302-1328. ISSN 2398-4708
Abstract
Purpose – The construction sector is a significant contributor to global carbon emissions, and with the rapid expansion of building projects globally, particularly in emerging economies, it is imperative to adopt advanced greenhouse gas control strategies. This review offers an in-depth analysis of existing strategies and technologies, highlighting innovative approaches such as intelligent grid energy management systems (EMS) for optimizing emissions control. Design/methodology/approach – This study examines methodologies for quantifying and managing greenhouse gas emissions across the full lifecycle of buildings, emphasizing the substantial environmental footprint of the construction sector, which constitutes approximately 37% of global energy-related carbon emissions. Given the anticipated doubling of the global building footprint by 2060, this research systematically investigates the characteristics of carbon emissions and corresponding mitigation strategies within a comprehensive life cycle framework. It comprehensively reviews advancements in sustainable building practices worldwide, underscoring the critical role of life cycle management across diverse regions including Europe, North America, the United Kingdom, China and emerging markets. Findings – This study presents methodological approaches for conducting life cycle assessments (LCA) tailored to individual buildings, encompassing Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions, with empirical findings supported by case studies and quantitative data. Furthermore, it elaborates on carbon management strategies across different phases of the building lifecycle – including demand estimation, options appraisal, design, construction and decommissioning – with particular emphasis on controlling both embedded and operational carbon emissions. Originality/value – This research underscores the deployment of intelligent grid EMS as a forward-looking strategy for the monitoring and optimization of carbon emissions. The study concludes with a synthesis of its primary findings, a delineation of prospective research trajectories, and policy suggestions. Additionally, it highlights the critical role of international collaboration and technological innovation in facilitating sustainable development within the construction sector.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | building decarbonization; carbon management frameworks; embodied and operational carbon; intelligent energy management; life cycle assessment |
| Index terms: | carbon emission, estimation, appraisal, mitigation, construction sector, sustainable development, China, life cycle assessment, emerging economy, technological innovation, emissions control, energy management, life cycle management, sustainable building practice, option, energy management system, decommissioning, Europe, greenhouse gas emission, collaboration, operational carbon, United Kingdom, lifecycle, case study, greenhouse gas, monitoring, strategy, life cycle, methodology, management strategy, emerging market |
| Subjects: | environmental health, financial risk, climate science, innovation and technology management, environmental impact, health safety and environment, factor and component analysis, economic analysis, physical geography and landforms, value management, project delivery, decision analysis, data collection methods, economic development, financial and cost management, sustainability and energy, environmental engineering, renovation and retrofit, control systems, research methods, management, industry analysis, Geography, energy systems |
| Topics: | Site Management, Geographical Context, International Construction, Project Management, Research Practice, Engineering Principles, Business Strategy, Sustainability, Cost Management, Health and Safety, Risk Management, Organizational Design |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTE |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here