Assessment of Carbon-Dioxide Emission from Non-Road Equipment Construction Sources at a Flyover Development Site in Port Harcourt, Nigeria

Abstract

It is emphasized that global warming and climate change vary directly with the increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide across domains. The constructions of social and economic infrastructures in developing counties such as Nigeria at a higher rate increases the emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the lower atmosphere. Non-road construction equipment sources powered by fossil fuels are considered to be primary emitters of greenhouse gases during the construction stages of large infrastructure project. In this study, inventory of non-road construction machinery emissions from the Tank junction flyover construction site along East-West Road in Port Harcourt metropolis were estimated via field data gathering. Results showed that an average of about 398.7 g/s (4134.4 ton/year) of CO2 is released from the construction site in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Among the various types of non-road engines considered, the mobile crane was the largest single contributor to the total CO2 emissions, accounting for 18.5%. Machinery with power above 300 kW were 8 out of 30 equipment on site and accounted for the largest share (52.87%) of total CO2 emissions. Based on the findings from current research literature and the case study, control strategies such as enforcing standards and policy, conducting impact assessment, adopting low carbon technology, and restricting energy utilization need to be implemented in other reduce the impact of global warming and alleviate climate change. Therefore, CO2 emission mitigation plans and schemes are necessary alongside standardized frameworks and guidelines. All stakeholders must play their roles efficiently to reduce CO2 emissions and aid in mitigating the effects of climate change.