As urban areas in seismically active regions grow, the need for resilient seismic design in buildings becomes increasingly critical. While resilient seismic design enhances the structural response under severe earthquakes and maintains post-disaster functionality, its implications for the building's whole life cycle carbon emissions have not been comprehensively studied. The construction sector is responsible for nearly 40% of annual global carbon emissions, making it essential to address climate change by designing low-carbon, resilient buildings without compromising structural performance under lateral loadings. This research aims to bridge this gap by analysing the relationship between resilient seismic design and the overall carbon footprint of low-rise commercial steel and concrete buildings, focusing on the embodied carbon of the superstructure and substructure throughout the building’s entire life cycle—from construction to end-of-life phases.
The primary objectives of this study are twofold: (1) to quantify the whole life cycle carbon impact of implementing resilient seismic design features, and (2) to evaluate the potential carbon savings or penalties associated with enhanced seismic response, repairability, and reduced maintenance needs. A comparative life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology will be employed, involving case studies of buildings designed with and without resilient seismic provisions. The study will model carbon emissions associated with material production, transportation, construction processes, maintenance, and demolition or reuse at the end of life. Particular attention will be paid to the carbon intensity of seismic retrofitting and repair after seismic events, which often extends the service life of structures and reduces the need for full demolition and reconstruction. The impact of the overstrength factor on buildings’ upfront and whole-life carbon will also be discussed.
The expected outcomes include a better understanding of how resilient seismic design influences long-term carbon emissions and sustainability performance in buildings. The research will offer evidence-based recommendations for policymakers, engineers, and architects, guiding the integration of resilient design into low-carbon building standards. It is anticipated that resilient design, when optimally applied, can offset higher upfront carbon costs by minimising future reconstruction needs and extending the lifespan of buildings, contributing to a net reduction in WLCC emissions.