Keywords

1 Introduction

In recent years, the global community has been addressing climate change and growing environmental challenges. The traditional construction sector significantly contributes to these problems through carbon emissions and resource consumption. Prefabricated construction and vertical greening have emerged as technologies to reduce carbon footprints and improve urban environments [1]. Prefabricated construction, with modularization and factory production, efficiently uses resources and reduces carbon emissions. Vertical greening enhances urban climates and ecological benefits by greening vertical spaces [2].

Domestic and foreign scholars have extensively researched prefabricated construction and vertical greening. Germany promoted these technologies in the early 20th century, and the American “PCI Design Handbook” advocated them in 1971. China has adopted these techniques, especially in regions like the Yangtze River Delta, Pearl River Delta, and Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei, driven by the “Twelfth Five-Year Plan.” With advancements in construction and green tech, prefabricated construction and vertical greening continue to excel.

This study explores integrated design and optimization for prefabricated construction and vertical greening, focusing on their roles in ecological benefits and carbon sequestration. Through systematic analysis of existing literature, we highlight their importance in urban sustainability and climate mitigation. The paper covers material selection, construction innovation, system integration, and intelligentization in this context.

2 Integrated Design and Technological Optimization of Components

2.1 Optimization of Materials and Components

Prefabricated construction, as an eco-friendly and efficient building method, has gained widespread attention and research. Integrated design of prefabricated structures and greening modules is a key focus area. This approach enhances building aesthetics, promotes energy efficiency, and supports sustainable environmental development. It optimizes urban space use, intensifies greening efforts, and mitigates urban heat island effects, enhancing the urban living environment. Integrated designs often include elements like green roofs and vertical green walls, reducing stormwater runoff, enhancing rainwater utilization, and acting as biofilters to purify the air, improving urban air quality [3]. Integrated greening modules also enhance sound insulation in prefabricated buildings, providing a quiet and comfortable living environment. Implementing such designs requires comprehensive consideration of factors like plant selection, green structure design, and post-construction maintenance, ensuring sustainability and effectiveness. Figure 1 is a real-life photograph of the integrated assembly of prefabricated building panels and green modules.

Fig. 1.
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Real-life photograph of the integrated assembly of prefabricated building panels and green modules

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Fig. 2.
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Real-life photograph of an ecological wall

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Advances in materials science enable extensive use of new materials in prefabricated construction and vertical greening. New materials enhance structural strength and durability while maintaining lightweight efficiency. In vertical greening, they offer diverse, efficient solutions. For example, lightweight, water-efficient planting substrates improve water use and extend plant life [4]. They also boost energy efficiency and promote resource recycling, reducing environmental impact. Green concrete and recycled plastics, for instance, cut carbon emissions and energy consumption. Vertical greening benefits from materials like ecological wall systems and green roofing, fostering a greener, sustainable urban construction model. Figure 2 is a real-life photograph of an ecological wall.

2.2 Innovation in Structure and Construction Techniques

Leveraging Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology, designers optimize design, reducing construction time and costs for efficient green building implementation [5]. BIM supports personalized vertical greening designs, including plant selection, green layer design, and irrigation planning. This enhances ecological value and integrates information across phases (design, construction, maintenance) for full lifecycle project management. Combined with technologies like big data and AI, BIM enables real-time monitoring and intelligent building performance optimization, fostering deeper integration and innovation in green building and vertical greening. Figure 3 is a design illustration of prefabricated construction and vertical greening based on BIM technology.

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Design illustration of prefabricated construction and vertical greening based on BIM technology

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Modular design significantly improves component production and installation efficiency, reducing construction time and costs. It ensures component quality, enhancing overall structure quality and durability. Modular methods minimize waste and environmental pollution on construction sites, offering an eco-friendly and sustainable alternative to traditional methods. Modular design enhances energy efficiency and supports green building standards. As the construction industry increasingly focuses on sustainability and environmental protection, modular design and rapid assembly will see more research and application. Advancements in technology will further innovate and benefit the construction sector, promoting a greener and more efficient direction.

2.3 System Integration and Intelligentization

Integrated building energy management systems are transforming green strategies in prefabricated buildings, emphasizing energy efficiency and sustainability. The construction sector is a significant energy consumer, making it vital for environmental protection and energy conservation. This integrated system enables advanced energy monitoring and management, accurately tracking building energy consumption patterns. Real-time data collection and analysis help stakeholders understand energy consumption trends and formulate rational strategies [6]. By monitoring and analyzing energy parameters, building energy usage can be optimized for efficiency. Integrated energy management systems enhance energy efficiency and eco-friendliness in prefabricated buildings, reducing energy wastage and incorporating green materials and technologies for greener construction. This signifies a shift toward a more intelligent and eco-friendly construction industry. Figure 4 represents a schematic diagram of the basic components of the electrical management system within the building energy management system.

Integrating smart systems into greening optimizes maintenance. Advanced sensors and data analysis cut costs, ensure plant health, and boost eco benefits through real-time monitoring. More data aids greening project decisions, boosting efficiency.

Fig. 4.
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Schematic diagram of the basic components of the electrical management system within the building energy management system

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3 Ecological Benefits and Carbon Sequestration Potential Assessment

3.1 Carbon Sequestration Potential Assessment

In the implementation of modern construction projects, it is of paramount importance to accurately evaluate the carbon footprint of prefabricated building materials and construction processes. Utilizing Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and other pertinent tools, an in-depth analysis of carbon emissions during various materials and construction phases can be conducted, thereby identifying possible strategies and methods to reduce carbon emissions. This not only facilitates achieving higher environmental benefits in construction projects but also provides robust support and basis for policy formulation and carbon market transactions.

Vertical greening has been demonstrated to be an effective method for carbon sequestration and emission reduction. Research indicates that through rational vegetation selection and management, vertical greening can achieve notable carbon emission reduction efficacy, including sequestering CO2 from the atmosphere through photosynthesis and reducing building energy consumption [7]. Furthermore, it can ameliorate urban microclimates, mitigate urban heat island effects, consequently decreasing the usage of air conditioning and energy consumption, thereby further reducing carbon emissions.

In constructing a specific prefabricated building, vertical greening was applied to the exterior facade walls, covering 31.9% of the total wall area. This project has been running for 7 years, with ongoing upgrades and energy-saving measures, leading to a gradual decrease in the building’s carbon sequestration capacity. Table 1 presents the changes in carbon sequestration for the prefabricated vertical greening building from 2015 to 2022.

Based on the above data comparison, it can be observed that the judicious application of prefabricated construction engineering technology and vertical greening technology can effectively reduce the overall carbon sequestration of the entire construction project, achieving the desired outcomes of green, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly practices.

Table 1. Carbon Sequestration Changes in the Prefabricated Vertical Greening Building During 2015–2022
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In 2015, the carbon sequestration represents the carbon sequestration level before the construction of the prefabricated vertical greening building.

In evaluating carbon sequestration in prefab buildings and vertical greening, long-term effects mustn’t be neglected. Prolonged monitoring and analysis of these systems yield precise insights into their carbon impacts and environmental effects. This knowledge informs future research and practice, promoting better utilization of carbon sequestration for sustainable urban development. Ecological Benefit Analysis.

3.2 Ecological Benefit Analysis

Rapid urbanization exacerbates the urban heat island effect, posing threats to urban environments and human well-being. Prefabricated construction and vertical greening offer an effective solution for greener, more sustainable urban development. Green roofs and wall greening mitigate solar radiation’s heating impact, lower air temperatures, reduce energy use, and expand green spaces, fostering ecological balance and a healthier urban environment.

Prefabricated buildings have distinct design and structural features that influence the local microclimate. Vertical greening enhances a building’s microclimatic effects. Plant transpiration lowers temperatures and raises humidity, improving the urban microclimate. Vertical greening also acts as natural insulation, reducing cooling and heating needs, cutting energy use and carbon emissions. Research confirms its effectiveness in filtering air pollutants like PM2.5, enhancing air quality. Combining prefabricated buildings and vertical greening benefits creates a healthier, greener urban environment for residents.

In a prefabricated construction project covering 3000 m2 of land and comprising a 57.9-m-tall building with 12 above-ground and 2 underground floors, vertical greening using honeysuckle and ivy covers 41.7% of the exterior wall area. After 2 years since completion, an ecological analysis indicates that the project has optimized indoor temperature and humidity compared to similar local buildings. It has also notably reduced carbon emissions, energy consumption, noise pollution, and indoor PM2.5 levels when compared to buildings of the same type and specifications.

Based on the above data comparison, it can be concluded that the judicious application of prefabricated construction engineering technology and vertical greening technology can effectively enhance the overall ecological benefits of the construction project, simultaneously achieving green, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly effects, while further improving the living experience for people (Table 2).

Table 2. Provides a comparison of the ecological benefits between this prefabricated vertical greening building and local buildings of the same type and specifications:
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4 Conclusion

The growth of prefabricated construction and vertical greening necessitates improved design and construction standards. Standardized and modular designs are proven to enhance project efficiency and quality. Thus, extensive research to enhance these standards is crucial for sustainable development. A multi-tiered standard system ensures safety, environmental protection, and economic benefits, promoting the adoption of prefabricated construction and vertical greening [8].

To boost prefabricated construction and vertical greening, governments must collaborate with industry and research institutions. Together, they should create regulations and policies that foster industry growth, legal protection, and technological innovation. These measures will promote the adoption of prefabricated construction and vertical greening, advancing green and sustainable urban development.