Urban environments require sustainable cooling solutions due to the heat island effect and increasing heatwaves. However, conventional air conditioning systems often have negative environmental impacts, primarily from embodied and operational carbon and fugitive refrigerant emissions. Therefore, we envision a net-zero carbon outdoor cooling system using a cradle-to-cradle (C2C) approach and life cycle assessment (LCA). A solar-powered cooling shelter was designed with conductive benches and radiant panels that transfer heat from the human body without enclosing users in an air-conditioned space. To achieve carbon neutrality, embodied carbon reduction strategies were integrated into the design and fabrication stages, including the selection of materials based on global warming potential (GWP). Environmental simulations and in-situ power monitoring sensors optimize and estimate avoided emissions from photovoltaic energy use. Finally, end-of-life strategies-such as recycling construction materials and system components-are proposed to assess the shelter’s full C2C life cycle.
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