Refurbish or replace? The Life Cycle Carbon Footprint and Life Cycle Cost of Refurbished and New Residential Archetype Buildings in London

The environmental performance of existing buildings can have a major role in achieving significant reductions CO2 emissions: In the UK, around 75% 2050's housing stock has already been built. While building improvement efforts mostly focus on operational performance, impact is result processes that occur throughout their life cycle. To achieve emission an economically viable way, this study uses Life Cycle Performance approaches to carry cross-comparison between refurbishment and replacement two archetypes London: mid-terrace-house bungalow. Specifically, integrates Carbon Footprint (LCCF) Cost (LCC) protocols (EN 15978:2011 BS ISO 15686–5), thermal simulations (EnergyPlus), generative design framework (PLOOTO - Parametric Lay-Out Organisation generator) mathematical optimisation algorithms (NSGA-II). Results show optimal generally performed better than replacements (Refurbishments LCCF ranges 1,100 1,500 kgCO2e/m2 LCC 440-680 £/m2, compared scenarios, ranging 1,220-1,850 550-890 £/m2). also highlights benefit incentivising re-use quicker emissions reductions. lastly discusses range embodied issues.