A Construction Lifecycle Framework for Net-Zero Operational Carbon Green Campus Building

Purpose A green campus building (GCB) is a structure on a university campus that is meant to reduce environmental impacts during planning, construction, and operation while increasing resource efficiency, indoor environmental quality, and occupant well-being. Although sustainability and net-zero frameworks for buildings have grown dramatically in recent years, there are still few comparative implementation studies that focus on lifecycle-based best practices for green campus building. This paper suggests a lifecycle-based paradigm for achieving net-zero operating carbon green campus building. Design/Methodology/Approach This study employed a qualitative multiple case study design based on 16 academic green building projects identified from WorldGBC case study library, and related project sources. Data was extracted from case documentation and project websites, then analyzed through deductive coding followed by cross-case thematic synthesis. The resulting themes were mapped onto five construction lifecycle phases to develop a lifecycle-based implementation framework for green campus building. Findings The study develops a lifecycle model that identifies best practices for green campus building implementation at each stage of development that is specific to the operation and initiation stages through planning, execution, performance monitoring, and closing. Early stakeholder feasibility analysis, passive design, renewable energy integration, healthy material selection, commissioning, post-occupancy monitoring, and user training are central to achieving durable net-zero operational carbon and occupant well-being outcomes. Important conclusions indicate that early engagement of the stakeholders and feasibility analysis in the initiation stage have a great impact on the success of the project. The framework has been effective in closing the policy, design, and practical implementation issues in GCB projects. Originality The study contributes a lifecycle-based implementation framework for green campus building derived from cross-case evidence. This paper presents an integrated approach, combining the technical building performance indicators with the humanistic design view. It also highlights monitoring practices that extend beyond conventional project completion activities. The framework contributes to addressing a gap in the literature concerning lifecycle-based implementation of green campus buildings across diverse geographic contexts. Actual implementation tools are made available to close the gap between theory and practice of green construction. This research work contributes greatly to the body of knowledge since it correlates theoretical work with practical measures towards the realization of net-zero campuses.