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Building information modeling (BIM) has been leveraged to reduce manual efforts in the life cycle assessment (LCA) of buildings. However, data interoperability between BIM and LCA tools remains a significant challenge because of disparate data structures, leading to a deficiency in automatic data mapping methods. Few studies have adopted professional BIM and LCA tools to evaluate the embodied carbon of prefabricated buildings at multiple spatial levels. Thus, this paper developed a BIM-integrated LCA solution to automate the embodied carbon assessment of prefabricated buildings based on a five-level framework: material, component, assembly, flat, and building. The solution framework involved three modules: (1) BIM data preparation, (2) data extraction and integration, and (3) embodied carbon assessment. An Industry Foundation Classes (IFC)-enabled data transfer tool was developed to adapt BIM data to the LCA data structure automatically. A real-life prefabricated building in Hong Kong was used to validate the feasibility of the developed solution by comparing it with the traditional LCA method. Embodied carbon was reported in five levels. The cradle-to-end-of-construction embodied carbon of the case building was calculated as 561 kg CO 2 /m2, showing an acceptable 1% discrepancy with traditional LCA results owing to inevitable quantity differences between design and construction. The results also indicate a dramatical time reduction in the LCA modeling process from 729 min to 62 min, achieving a 91.5% efficiency improvement. It can thus practically increase practitioners' willingness to conduct LCA at an early design stage with quick feedback. The developed solution also extends the knowledge on automatic BIM-integrated LCA methodologically by addressing data interoperability using the IFC standard. Further, it provides systematic insights into the embodied carbon emissions of prefabricated buildings based on the five-level theoretical framework, guiding low-carbon designs for prefabricated buildings. • Embodied carbon assessment is automated by integrating BIM into LCA. • A tool named BIMToSimaPro is developed to automate data transfer from BIM to LCA. • Data interoperability between BIM and LCA is enhanced using the IFC standard. • A five-level framework is proposed for standardized embodied carbon evaluations. • The solution achieves consistent carbon results with a 91.5% efficiency improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Economic drivers and barriers were identified to be most significant for ZCB in HK. • User behavior changes can have a major impact on ZCB delivery in HK. • Four strategy areas most address ZCB complexities and dynamics in high-density cities. • ZCB requires micro-level measures, meso -level initiatives and macro-level visions. • A novel multi-level framework of strategies is derived for high-rise high-density ZCB. The zero carbon building (ZCB) approach has been adopted in many cities and regions as an important government strategy for addressing climate change, achieving a low carbon economy, and uplifting the quality of people's life. However, there is yet a lack of uptake of ZCB in high-rise high-density contexts, and mystery exists about its feasibility and societal acceptance. This paper aims to demystify ZCB development in high-rise high-density cities by identifying and examining the drivers, barriers and strategies within Hong Kong as a typical case. Based on the systems theory that addresses ZCBs as complex systems, the research was conducted through a questionnaire survey with 219 effective responses from and six follow-up focus group meetings with industry stakeholders. Key drivers and barriers were systematically identified, covering economic, legislative, cultural, supply chain, geographical, and skill and knowledge aspects. Specifically, economic drivers and barriers were found most significant. A novel multi-level framework of strategies was further derived, integrating micro-level measures, meso -level initiatives and macro-level visions for achieving ZCBs in high-rise high-density cities. The framework contributes a new perspective to examine ZCB drivers and barriers, and lays the foundation for a strategic decision-making tool to support ZCB developments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 'zero carbon building (ZCB)' approach has been hailed as an innovative strategy for addressing climate change and achieving a low carbon society. There has been burgeoning research on the technical aspects of ZCBs. However, the aspect of stakeholder engagement, albeit imperative for zero carbon development, has been largely overlooked in the literature. This paper examines stakeholder knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) with regard to ZCBs in a systems manner, employing a new KAP model that integrates ontology, axiology and epistemology as the theoretical lens. The research was carried out through a questionnaire survey and focus group discussions with multiple stakeholders in the building industry in Hong Kong, which is a typical example of a high-density city. The results indicate the generally ambiguous and inconsistent knowledge, relatively negative attitude, and poor practice of stakeholders towards ZCBs. The statistical analysis findings reveal that differentiation exists between different stakeholder groups as to their knowledge, and this highlights the significant role that explicit ZCB knowledge plays in creating a knowledge-induced attitude that favours changes in practice leading to zero carbon developments. The applicability of the developed KAP model is verified using the case of Hong Kong, enabling the dialectics and complexities of stakeholder KAP towards ZCBs to be further clarified. Practical implications are provided to enhance the knowledge, shape the attitudes, and encourage the practices of building towards zero carbon in future cities. • Knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) with regard to ZCB are systematically examined. • A KAP model that integrates ontology, axiology and epistemology of ZCB is developed. • There are gaps between practitioners and researchers regarding knowledge of ZCB. • Stakeholders in HK have relatively negative attitude and poor practice towards ZCB. • Well-structured knowledge is key to induce attitude and practice favoring ZCB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]