Research on the Design of Carbon-Neutralized Building in Rural China: A Case Study of “Impression of Yucun”

Energy conservation and emission reduction in rural buildings is essential to China’s response to climate change. Within the context of China’s ‘dual carbon’ initiative and the overarching goal of a ‘zero carbon countryside’, the first rural carbon-neutral building in China—‘Impression of Yucun’ was established in Anji County, Zhejiang Province. Accordingly, this study investigates building carbon-neutral design, calculating and analyzing the carbon emissions and offsets facilitated by carbon neutrality technology throughout the buildings’ life cycle. In addition, the comprehensive benefits of the buildings are evaluated from both technical and economic perspectives. The implementation pathway for rural carbon-neutral buildings is also explored. The results demonstrate that through the judicious application of carbon neutrality technology design, the inherent carbon emissions of the buildings amount to 120.91 t and the energy consumption during the operational phase of the building is 64,284.4 kWh/a, correlating to carbon emissions of 33.72 t. The case can theoretically reduce carbon emissions by 65.64 tCO2 annually by implementing carbon offset measures. Considering photovoltaic cell decay, the building can achieve a carbon-neutral state for the first time in the fifth year of operation, with a net carbon emission of −5.58 tCO2. Simultaneously, the investment in photovoltaic systems can be recouped between the seventh and ninth years of operation. This study can offer methodological reference and data support for designing and evaluating carbon-neutral buildings.