The global prominence of energy-efficient retrofit in the context of aging properties has garnered noteworthy attention. This surge in interest can be attributed to several advantages, encompassing economically viable carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions reduction, diminished energy expenditures, and improved indoor air quality. Passive retrofits, such as thermal insulation and fenestration improvement, and active retrofits, such as heating setpoint temperature optimization, offer great potential for CO₂ reduction and energy savings. The central objective of this study is ascertaining the feasibility of attaining a 40% reduction in CO₂ emissions with the lowest cost and with constraints on heating setpoints temperature by finding optimal design parameters encompassing thermal insulation (including both single and double-layer), fenestration, and heating setpoint temperatures. This inquiry is substantiated through a case study of the Leblanc residence on the University of Ottawa campus. In pursuit of this objective, a thermal model of the Leblanc building was developed via EnergyPlus and subsequently subjected to a validation process following ASHRAE Guideline 14. After validation, an array of discrete optimization scenarios was executed using the NSGA-II model, facilitated by the JEPLUS+EA software. This approach aimed to identify the most suitable parameters for achieving optimal CO₂ reduction and cost outcomes. Notably, the results showcased 20 solutions, each boasting a reduction of 40% or more in CO₂ emissions and heating setpoint temperature higher than 18 °C. While the choice to prioritize either cost or CO₂ reduction remains at the user's discretion, four solutions have been discerned as the most effective. Furthermore, the findings suggest that implementing these optimal solutions can significantly decrease CO₂ emissions, ranging between 41.79% and 46.36%. The associated costs were also determined to fall within $36,262 to $57,934.

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Introduction: Within the construction industry, approx. 40% of Sweden's entire amount of waste and over 20% of greenhouse gas emissions are produced. Thus, it is interesting to investigate a construction project's environmental impact from these two aspects. The purpose of this study is to investigate the environmental impact of the Älta construction project with a focus on waste management and CO₂ emissions. Method: Data collection is carried out using literature study, document review, semi-structured interviews, observations, and own measurements. Tools such as tree and relationship diagrams, project models and tables are used for compilation of results and data analysis. Theory: The theoretical framework for the study consists of a Sustainability Opportunity Study, sustainability assessment and sustainable development as well as Total Quality Management and the cornerstone model. Results: Based on the results, it can be concluded that the Älta construction project and similar construction projects have the potential to reduce their environmental impact. By reusing and recycling waste such as soil and excavated material, concrete and asphalt, a construction project can reduce its amount of waste. By setting clear and relevant environmental requirements during the pre-study phase and procurement, project owners can ensure that the work follows the principles of sustainable development and Total Quality Management. For example, the project owner can demand that all vehicles and machinery used within the project meet the latest environmental class requirements. Conclusion: Project owners of similar construction projects can use the results of this study as part of their decision-making basis. Recycling and reuse of waste in combination with high environmental requirements can reduce a construction project's environmental impact and contribute to a more sustainable society. / Inledning: Inom byggindustrin produceras ca 40% av hela Sveriges avfallsmängd och över 20% av växthusgasutsläppen. Således är det intressant att undersöka ett byggprojekt miljöpåverkan från dessa två aspekter. Syftet med denna studie är att undersöka Älta-byggprojektets miljöpåverkan med fokus på avfallshantering och CO₂-utsläpp. Metod: Datainsamling genomförs med hjälp av litteraturstudie, dokumentgranskning, semistrukturerade intervju, observationer och egna mätningar. För resultatsammanställning och dataanalys används verktyg som träd- och relationsdiagram, projektmodell och tabeller. Teori: Det teoretiska ramverket för studien består av möjlighetsstudie (Sustainability Opportunity Study), hållbarhetsbedömning och hållbar utveckling samt offensiv kvalitetsutveckling (Total Quality Management) och hörnstensmodellen. Resultat: Utifrån resultatet kan det konstateras att Älta-byggprojektet och liknande byggprojekt har potential att minska sin miljöpåverkan. Genom att återanvända och återvinna avfall som exempelvis jord och schaktmassa, betog och asfalt, kan ett byggprojekt minska sin avfallsmängd. Genom att ställa tydliga och relevanta miljökrav under förstudiefasen och upphandlingen kan projektägare försäkra sig om att arbetet följer principerna inom hållbar utveckling och offensiv kvalitetsutveckling. Exempelvis kan projektägaren kräva att alla fordon och maskiner som används inom projekt uppfyller senaste miljöklasskraven. Slutsats: Projektägare till liknande byggprojekt kan använda resultatet av denna studie som en del av sitt beslutsunderlag. Återvinning och återanvändning av avfall i kombination med höga miljökrav kan minska ett byggprojekts miljöpåverkan och bidra till ett mer hållbart samhälle.