The study used the whole-life carbon assessment method to conduct a thorough carbon-neutral evaluation of a standard steel structure. To further assess carbon emissions, 11 design-changed models were evaluated, with changes made to the span between beams and columns. The results of the carbon emission assessment showed savings of approximately 13.1% by implementing the stage of the beyond life cycle. Additionally, the evaluation of carbon emissions through design changes revealed a difference of up to 42.2%. These findings confirmed that recycling and structural design changes can significantly reduce carbon emissions by up to 48.6%, making it an effective means of achieving carbon neutrality. It is therefore necessary to apply the stage of beyond life cycle and structural change to reduce carbon emissions.