Office building characteristics and the links with carbon emissions

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present research which analysed energy consumption in the Melbourne central business district (CBD) office stock and examined all buildings to identify CO₂ emissions in 2005. The rationale was that, by profiling a large group of buildings, it would be possible to identify characteristics of the stock. For example, do older buildings typically emit more CO₂ per square metre than newer buildings?

Design/methodology/approach

This research conducted a detailed analysis of all Melbourne CBD office stock to identify which patterns and trends emerged regarding building characteristics and carbon emissions. The study examined variables such as building size, number of employees, occupancy levels, physical characteristics and building age.

Findings

By examining all office stock and aggregating data, the results confirm that it is possible to identify general physical building characteristics and carbon emissions. This research confirmed that clear relationships existed within the Melbourne CBD office stock in terms of building size, age and the density of occupation in relation to CO₂ emissions.

Originality/value

Practitioners can apply this knowledge to the professional advice they give to clients to assist in achieving increased energy efficiency in the office stock, for example in refurbishment being conscious that smaller buildings will be generally less energy‐efficient than larger ones.

Citation

Wilkinson, S.J. and Reed, R.G. (2006), "Office building characteristics and the links with carbon emissions", Structural Survey, Vol. 24 No. 3, pp. 240-251. https://doi.org/10.1108/02630800610678887