How to reduce carbon dioxide emissions on infrastructure projects in the Middle East

Abstract

A systematic approach is proposed for civil engineers in the Middle East to minimise the impact of their infrastructure projects on climate change. Based on value engineering principles and a carbon dioxide emissions calculator, the approach was applied to three case studies: temporary retaining walls for a deep tunnel; reuse of site-won material from an open-cut tunnel; and design of piled raft foundations. The results showed the approach was effective in reducing carbon dioxide emissions and could be beneficially adopted on future earthworks projects in the Middle East.