Please join ND Energy for the Faculty Luncheon Spring 2024 Seminar Series from 12:30-1:30 p.m. in B01 McCourtney Hall. This series highlights specific research topics with talks by Notre Dame faculty followed by group discussions regarding (1) cross-disciplinary basic research needs, (2) potential avenues for external and internal collaborations, (3) funding sources to target, and (4) any follow-up action items. All interested faculty are welcome to attend and participate in an exchange of inspiring and stimulating ideas, while exploring new directions for cross-collaborations.
Our January seminar will be presented by Prof. Ming Hu, titled "Embodied Carbon and Energy in Buildings: From a Life Cycle Perspective". Please RSVP by responding to the Google calendar invite by 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 23. If you did not receive an invitation or have questions about the seminar, please contact Dr. Subhash L. Shinde, ND Energy Associate Director.
Abstract
This presentation offers a comprehensive overview of embodied carbon in the context of building construction, focusing on its definition, importance, and measurement techniques. It emphasizes the significant role of embodied carbon in global greenhouse gas emissions and discusses standards and tools for its assessment and management. The presentation also includes case studies to illustrate practical applications and current research trends, providing valuable insights for incorporating sustainability in building design and construction processes.
Biography
Dr. Ming Hu is an Associate Professor at the School of Architecture and the College of Engineering, University of Notre Dame, USA. She is also the Associate Dean for Research at the School of Architecture. Her expertise as a Building Scientist and Environmental Engineering Researcher encompasses extensive practical and theoretical experience in decarbonizing the built environment, aiming to mitigate its environmental footprint and human health impacts. Specifically, she investigates the life cycle environmental impacts associated with building technologies and policies, as well as how community and societal priorities can be better incorporated into decision-making processes. Her research methods encompass life cycle assessment, energy modeling, computer vision, and complex relationship modeling (SEM). Three specific research areas are:
- Life cycle environmental impacts associated with construction activities
- Embodied carbon associated with building materials
- Health risks associated with housing condition
Hu has authored over 100 peer-reviewed papers and conference proceedings. She is the author of three books. “Net Zero Building: Predicted and Unintended Consequences” was published by Routledge in 2019. “Smart Technologies and Design for Healthy Built Environments. by Springer in 2020, and “Green Building Costs: The Affordability of Sustainable Design published by Routledge in 2023.
Originally published at energy.nd.edu.