This study examines Taiwan’s transition from the Building Carbon Footprint (BCF) assessment to the Low-Embodied-Carbon Building Rating (LEBR) system, highlighting the shift in carbon reduction focus, assessment scope, hotspots, and rating outcomes. By statistically analyzing nine real-world cases, it establishes the correlation between embodied carbon reduction and LEBR ratings for typical mid-to-high-rise residential buildings. Results show that the span variation coefficient (Sp) and shape factor (F) are critical structural parameters significantly and negatively correlated with the total carbon reduction rate; standard floor plans alone can generally achieve at least LEBR Level 3. Scenario simulations further demonstrate that early-stage structural optimization to lower Sp and F, combined with low-carbon concrete and non-primary structural materials, can elevate ratings to LEBR Level 1+, with low-carbon concrete being particularly effective. However, ultra-high-rise buildings face constrained reduction potential in their primary structures due to stricter safety baselines. These findings offer practical guidance for low-embodied-carbon residential design and related policy implementation.