Embodied vs. Operational Energy and Carbon in Retail Building Shells: A Case Study in Portugal

(1) Background: The embodied energy of building materials is a significant contributor to climate change, in tandem with the use intensity (EUI). Yet, studies on material impacts European retail buildings, namely relation EUI, are missing. Hence, this study set out to: (i) evaluate and carbon emissions for building; (ii) quantify flow terms mass; (iii) compare aspects operational EUI (CUI); (iv) assess higher impacts; (v) investigate strategies mitigate materials’ impacts. (2) Methods: A Portuguese was selected as case study. simplified LCA method followed (cradle-to-gate), analysing shell primary demand global warming potential. (3) Results: represented 32% total lifecycle while 94%. 1×kWh/m2/y CUI 21 kg CO2eq/m2/y. 4248 kWh/m2, 1689 CO2eq/m2. Cement mortar, steel, concrete, extruded polystyrene were most intensive materials. (4) Conclusions: analysed store could decrease by choosing stone wool sandwich panels facades instead roof systems metal sheet coverings bitumen