Sustainability Report

The environmental strategy followed a hybrid approach guided by the National Green Building Evaluation Standard, the Dalian Local Green Building Evaluation Regulations, and internal benchmarks based on industry guidelines for sustainable renovation. The project did not pursue third-party certification, but life cycle sustainability and long-term environmental performance were core objectives.

Embodied carbon overview

• Retention and repair of the existing structures formed a central part of the embodied carbon approach. Damaged elements were repaired and reinforced wherever possible rather than replaced, reducing demolition waste and avoiding emissions associated with sourcing new structural components.
• For the new extensions, modular construction techniques were employed. Prefabricated components, including weathering steel panels, were assembled on-site, reducing construction waste and improving precision and efficiency.
• Recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) was used extensively for foundation backfilling and selected structural walls. Concrete waste from demolition was processed into recycled aggregate, reducing landfill waste and demand for natural sand and gravel.
• Recycled grey bricks salvaged from the original site were reused in new walls and landscaping. This aligns with the project’s circular economy goals and reduces the need for newly manufactured materials.
• Landscape stones were sourced from Dalian and surrounding regions to limit transport distances.
• The primary structure incorporates high-strength reinforced concrete with a projected lifespan exceeding 50 years, alongside weathering steel (Corten).

Operational emissions overview

• Operational performance is supported through upgrades to the existing building envelope, including external wall insulation, roof insulation, and the installation of high-performance Low-E glazing.
• A ground-source heat pump system serves as the primary heating and cooling source. The system operates with a Coefficient of Performance (COP) of over 4.0 and eliminates on-site emissions associated with conventional coal-fired or standard electric systems.
• Together, these measures support the overall energy strategy across the complex.

Service / maintenance emissions overview

• Low-VOC coatings and adhesives were specified to support indoor air quality. Polished self-levelling cement floors were used in place of traditional timber or composite flooring, removing the need for additional adhesives and synthetic surface treatments.
• Material durability and ease of maintenance were considered in both building and landscape elements. Reused grey bricks were selected for their frost resistance, slip resistance, and ability to withstand high foot traffic. Individual bricks can be replaced locally without leaving visible traces of repair.
• Weathering steel forms a protective oxidation layer that reduces the need for additional chemical treatments and extends service life compared to conventional steel.