Innovation Owner
นาย Narongrit Jinjantarawong
Advisor
Details
The Center of Invention for Future and Sustainability project develops methodologies for retrofitting older buildings to mitigate carbon dioxide emissions, demonstrating a 26-fold reduction compared to new construction.
The "Center of Invention for Future and Sustainability Project (Continuing)" serves as a continuation of a pilot initiative focused on the retrofitting of older buildings (Vach. 7), specifically a five-story structure. The primary aim of this project is to develop methodologies for enhancing the sustainability of existing buildings in order to mitigate carbon dioxide emissions.
In the execution of the project, a comprehensive analysis of relevant data and theoretical frameworks has been undertaken, leading to the formulation of a research methodology designed to identify optimal strategies for retrofitting older buildings to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. This approach is structured into three principal phases:
- The combustion of fuels associated with transportation, labor, and materials
- The electricity consumption during the construction process
- The accumulation of greenhouse gases from both existing and new construction materials
The project employs an experimental research design, wherein empirical data is collected to evaluate and quantify the equivalent carbon dioxide emissions arising from the construction of new buildings compared to the retrofitting of the selected case study building. Subsequent analysis of the collected data revealed that retrofitting the existing structure—through the integration of sustainable design principles—resulted in greenhouse gas emissions of 11.88 kgCO2e/sq.m. In contrast, the emissions associated with new building construction amounted to 299.35 kgCO2e/sq.m., indicating a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by a factor of approximately 26 when compared to the construction of new buildings.
Objective
The project aims to advance research on sustainable building retrofitting, provide support for carbon-reducing innovations, and share knowledge on optimizing existing structures to achieve net-zero emissions.
- To advance research on prototype buildings and establish guidelines for retrofitting existing structures, prioritizing sustainability by reducing carbon dioxide emissions during both renovation and operation to achieve net-zero emissions.
- To create a supportive space for the development and advancement of research, inventions, processes, or innovations that reduce or sequester carbon dioxide.
- To disseminate knowledge to government agencies and building owners, enabling them to maximize the utility of existing structures through engineering best practices before opting for new construction, thereby reducing the use of carbon-intensive building materials.