Skyscrapers: embodied vs. Running energy. Role of the service core

Despite the service core of a tall building is generally disregarded by many, it plays a key role in the sustainable behavior of a skyscraper. Even though great efforts have been done to lower the energetic consumption of its mechanical equipment major savings can arise from a new approach to its design. Many studies tried to asses the role it takes in the energy consumption of a skyscraper. The benefits described originate from the shading effect of the service core on the building, or from the idea that its structures act as a thermal buffer. However, the most important lack of analysis of such proposals is the study of the drawbacks on the embodied energy of a tall building and the effects the service core have on it.
Through a literature review, the paper assesses the energy consumption of a skyscraper, while its embodied energy is based on authorʼs assumptions. The concept of service core is briefly introduced, its basic components are defined and a description of its regular functions is provided. The focal point of the research is an evaluation of the Embodied Energy of a tall building and an analysis of the effects of the service core on this.