CO₂ balance: parking spaces with a climate protection factor
AEP has analyzed the carbon footprints for various carport types. The entire material input of a parking space was considered – from concrete and steel to wood and aluminum – and their respective global warming potential (GWP) was determined. Particularly exciting: two of the three variants examined have a negative CO₂ balance. This means that they remove more CO₂ from the atmosphere than they emit – a real game changer in the construction industry.
1. Bifacial PV-Carport von AEP: CO₂-Senke statt CO₂-Quelle
The bifacial design – i.e. with active solar modules on both sides – scores twice: through high energy yield and a CO₂ balance of -191.11 kg CO₂ per parking space.
The main reason for this positive balance is the use of glued laminated timber (glulam), which stores CO₂ as a building material. Despite the concrete foundation and steel reinforcement, the CO₂ storage effect prevails – the carport becomes an active CO₂ sink.
2. Trapezodial PV-Carport von AEP: Ebenfalls im Minusbereich
The trapezoidal version with a trapezoidal sheet steel roof also remains well within the green zone:
-56.94 kg CO₂ per parking space – another plus point for the climate and the environment.
The combination of a wooden structure and efficient use of materials pays off ecologically.
3. Der Unterschied zur konventionellen Bauweise: Ein massiver CO₂-Rucksack
For comparison: a classic carport made of I-beams and trapezoidal sheet metal (without wood) causes +1,085 kg of CO₂ per parking space – in other words, more than a ton of greenhouse gas emissions during construction alone!
The difference to the AEP solutions is therefore around 1,100 kg of CO₂ per parking space – a clear decision for sustainable construction.
Sample calculation: Big impact for large projects
Let’s assume a company wants to cover 50 parking spaces with solar carports. The CO₂ comparison at a glance:
Choosing the right type of carport alone can save up to 63 tons of CO₂ – equivalent to the annual emissions of around 40 mid-range cars!
| Variante | CO₂-Bilanz je Parkplatz | Gesamt (50 Plätze) |
|---|---|---|
| AEP PV-Carport Bifacial | –191 kg | –9.555 kg CO₂ |
| AEP PV-Carport Trapezodial | –57 kg | –2.847 kg CO₂ |
| Standard-Stahl-Carport | +1.085 kg | +54.250 kg CO₂ |
(Negative values = CO₂ reduction)
Technical details: How the CO₂ balance is calculated
The CO₂ balance (GWP = Global Warming Potential) is calculated for each material component used on the basis of recognized environmental declarations (EPD):
These values are multiplied by the quantities used – the result is the CO₂ balance per parking space.
| Material | GWP-Wert | Quelle |
|---|---|---|
| Beton | 281 kg CO₂/m³ | Bau-EPD |
| Stahl/Bewehrung | 1.500 kg CO₂/1000 kg | XCarb recycled steel |
| Holz (BSH) | –639,34 kg CO₂/m³ | EPD Binderholz |
| Aluminium | 2.000 kg CO₂/1000 kg | metagreen Alumero |
| Stahlblech | 1.500 kg CO₂/1000 kg | XCarb recycled steel |
Project Manager PV-Carports, AEP
DI Fabio Rockenschaub
„Bei der Entwicklung unserer PV-Carports legen wir nicht nur Wert auf Energieeffizienz, sondern auch auf ökologische Nachhaltigkeit. Dass unsere Carports bereits bei der Errichtung eine negative CO₂-Bilanz aufweisen, ist das Ergebnis sorgfältiger Materialwahl und durchdachter Planung. Damit zeigen wir: Klimaschutz beginnt bereits bei der Unterkonstruktion – und endet erst bei der letzten Kilowattstunde Sonnenstrom.”
Conclusion: Those who rely on AEP solar carports not only protect themselves from the sun and rain - they also protect the climate.
The carbon footprint shows in black and white: our solar carports are not only energy-efficient in operation, but also make a sustainable contribution to reducing greenhouse gases. Even before the first kilowatt hour of solar power is generated. Solar carports from AEP are the right choice for companies and municipalities that focus on real sustainability.
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