Cost-benefit assessment of life-cycle carbon emissions using a Pareto Genetic Algorithm: A case study of gymnasium buildings

In recent years, there has been a surge in gymnasium constructions across China. Due to their characteristics of high energy consumption and carbon emissions, gymnasium constructions have become one of the key targets for energy conservation and emission reduction. However, the majority of carbon reduction studies targeting gymnasium buildings predominantly pursue high emission reduction rates, while often overlooking the economic investment requirements of such projects currently. In addition, there has been hardly any research on the carbon emissions in the life cycle of gymnasium buildings in light of existing literature. Given this, firstly, a carbon emission calculation model was established, followed by an analysis of carbon emission patterns throughout the life cycle grounded in a practical engineering project. Subsequently, an optimization design procedure was developed to determine the relationship between life-cycle carbon emissions and initial construction costs by integrating cost-benefit criteria with a Pareto Genetic Algorithm. Finally, based on the aforementioned research findings, targeted carbon reduction recommendations for gymnasium buildings are proposed.