A new study compares carbon emission intensity between prefabricated and conventional construction methods for economy chain hotels in Hangzhou, China. Using 3D morphology modeling, researchers quantified emissions across material production, transportation, and assembly phases. The study found that prefabricated buildings generally have lower carbon intensity per volume due to optimized material use and streamlined factory manufacturing. However, the research notes that regional factors like transportation distances and local energy sources affect total emissions. The findings provide practical data for urban planners and hotel developers looking to reduce construction footprints. This is a concrete look at how building method choices impact real carbon outcomes in a fast-growing city.
