## 3 Discussion and Results
### GWP Indicator (CO\({}_{2}\) Operational + CO\({}_{2}\) Embedded)  
Table 1 shows the energy consumption data for the IndUVa building for the year 2022. The assessment of the building's energy performance demonstrates substantial seasonal variations in both final energy consumption and associated operational CO\({}_{2}\) emissions. These fluctuations are largely driven by changes in energy demand due to climatic conditions and occupancy patterns. Notably, April and December exhibit the lowest energy consumption levels, primarily due to reduced operational activities during holiday periods. This reduction is further supported by the building's integration of renewable energy systems, which significantly curtail the carbon emissions tied to energy use during these months. Conversely, peak energy demands occur in June and September, coinciding with transitional seasonal periods marked by elevated cooling requirements. These peaks are directly attributable to higher external temperatures and increased thermal loads, necessitating greater energy inputs to sustain indoor thermal comfort (Figure 4). The heightened energy demand during these months underscores the dominant role of cooling systems in driving operational energy consumption. To address these challenges, it is essential to implement strategies that enhance the building's thermal performance and mitigate cooling energy demands. Potential measures include the adoption of passive cooling techniques, the integration of advanced HVAC technologies, and the optimization of envelope design to reduce heat gains. These strategies  
Figure 4: Kg/month of Operational CO\({}_{2}\) by 2022.  
not only improve energy efficiency but also support the alignment of renewable energy generation with the building's dynamic energy requirements throughout the year. As illustrated in Figure 4, the total operational CO\({}_{2}\) emissions for the year 2022 amount to 66,635.33 kg CO\({}_{2}\). Over the course of its projected lifespan, the building is estimated to generate cumulative emissions of 3,331,766.3 kg CO\({}_{2}\). When normalized by the building's usable area, the Global Warming Potential (GWP) during the operational phase (B6) is calculated as 601.43 kg CO\({}_{2}\) eq./m\({}^{2}\). The operational CO\({}_{2}\) emissions, encapsulated by the operational GWP indicator, represent a relatively small contribution when analyzed over a 50-year horizon. Table 2 provides a detailed breakdown of the operational GWP values, illustrating the emissions associated with various assumed lifespans. This data underscore the importance of considering life cycle emissions in sustainable building design, highlighting the need for ongoing optimization of operational efficiency to further minimize environmental impacts. Table 3 presents the inventory of construction materials utilized in the development of the IndUVa mzEB. Using Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) as the foundation, the CO\({}_{2}\) emissions associated with the building's life cycle phases related to embodied carbon--specifically, stages A1-A3 and A4--are quantified. This analysis provides a detailed understanding of the greenhouse gas emissions generated during material extraction, manufacturing, and transportation. Furthermore, the table explores various recycling scenarios to assess their influence on the embodied Global Warming Potential (GWP) in stages A1-A3. Notably, a scenario assuming 100% recycling would result in a GWP value of zero for stages A1-A3, with emissions being solely attributed to the transportation phase (A4). This highlights the significant potential for emission reductions through enhanced material recycling practices, emphasizing their role in minimizing the overall environmental impact of construction.