Sustainability Report

The Building Carbon Emissions Report gives a full life-cycle assessment for Sunner Museum, with total emissions calculated at 12,741.373 tCO2. 

The largest share comes from operation at 9,992.571 tCO2, followed by construction material production at 5,293.824 tCO2. 

Additional emissions are attributed to demolition at 892.870 tCO2, materials transport at 361.022 tCO2, and the construction phase at 297.624 tCO2. These impacts are partly offset by a reported carbon sink reduction of -4,096.538 tCO2 through greening. 

Per unit area, the project reports 1.812 tCO2/m² across the life cycle or 36.000 kgCO2/m²/a annually.

Materials

• Commercial concrete was used; low-carbon concrete alternatives were not adopted
• Exterior cladding uses glass fibre-reinforced concrete (GRC), fabricated by Guangdong Xinsang Art GRC and supplied locally by the contractor
• Interior feature surfaces are glass fibre-reinforced gypsum (GRG), also fabricated by Guangdong Xinsang Art GRC
• Green roof build-up: locally procured system (waterproofing, drainage, root barrier)
• Structure and envelope: contractor-supplied concrete and glazing
• Interior finishes: contractor-sourced wood and bamboo
• Recycled finish: MCM “soft porcelain” wall material

The design follows China’s national green building one-star standard, with an emphasis on reduced energy consumption, pollution, and emissions. It achieves a 70 percent improvement compared with baseline energy use.

Sponge city measures help manage rainwater, reduce flooding, and improve ecological resilience through rain gardens, sunken green spaces, soil-covered roofs, and permeable pavements.

Energy efficiency strategies

• Careful orientation: north-facing public spaces and south-facing solid concrete walls for exhibition spaces
• Limited window openings to reduce cooling loads
• Skylit atrium with north-facing glazing and external louvers for glare-free daylighting
• Full use of natural ventilation and thermal insulation

Almost 100 percent of the roof is covered with 600 mm of soil and vegetation, serving as a thermal buffer and habitat. This living roof reduces cooling demand in summer through evaporative cooling, while providing insulation in winter.

Noise control and natural daylight/ventilation are integrated to lower operational demands.