Abstract
Carbon estimating plays a vital role in the construction industry. The current focus on introducing zero-carbon construction projects reduces operational carbon, at the expense of Embodied Carbon (EC). However, it is important to reduce overall net carbon emissions. There are various methods to estimate carbon, but the accuracy of these estimates is questionable. This paper reviews a novel methodology, the Supply Chain based Embodied carbon Estimating Method (SCEEM), which was introduced recently to accurately estimate EC in construction supply chains. SCEEM is compared against existing EC estimating methods (Blackbook and eToolLCD) using a case study approach. It is also supplemented with a comprehensive literature review of existing EC methods. The EC values calculated using Blackbook and eToolLCD were mostly higher than SCEEM. Since SCEEM uses actual site data and considers first principles-based value addition method to estimate EC, it is considered accurate. The cross-case analysis revealed that SCEEM provided consistent results. Hence, SCEEM is recommended to accurately estimate EC of any type of project.
Highlights
Embodied Carbon (EC) values were estimated for all the items in Data Set 1 and Data Set 3 using the process explained for Supply Chain based Embodied carbon Estimating Method (SCEEM)
EC estimating carried out using SCEEM should be providing accurate figures as EC emissions occurred from the original sources have been considered
A cross-case analysis carried out between Case Study 1 and Case Study 2 to evaluate the similarities and differences of EC values calculated using SCEEM, Blackbook and eToolLCD for the data collected from the contractor is discussed
Summary
Climatic changes have caused a significant impact on the global community [1], resulting in increased temperatures, rises in sea levels, increased water vapour in the atmosphere and melting of glaciers [2]. These climatic changes are heavily influenced by human activities. The Australian building sector accounts for about 36% of the country’s overall carbon emissions [4]. There are various carbon estimating databases and tools available in the industry.
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