Life Cycle Carbon Research Articles

Analysis of carbon emissions reduction strategies for prefabricated buildings under cost constraints: a case study

ABSTRACT By 2025, prefabricated buildings are projected to constitute 30% of new urban construction in China. However, current research into the assessment and mitigation strategies of the life cycle carbon emissions of prefabricated buildings is limited. In addition, a pertinent challenge is to balance the imperative of carbon reduction with the associated cost increment. This study applies a whole life cycle carbon analysis to prefabricated buildings, providing an in-depth evaluation of the effectiveness of different carbon reduction strategies. Our findings show that strategies such as material substitution, integration of renewable energy, and enhancing material recycling efficiency yield distinct carbon reduction impacts, with varying cost implications. Additionally, we address the critical balance between achieving carbon reductions and managing associated costs. Using an actual project as a case study, this paper calculates its life cycle carbon emissions and evaluates practical carbon reduction measures, offering new insights for decision-makers in designing low-carbon strategies for prefabricated buildings.

Addressing the Scientific Gaps Between Life Cycle Thinking and Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis for the Sustainability Assessment of Electric Vehicles’ Lithium-Ion Batteries

Electric vehicles can substantially lower the overall carbon footprint of the transportation sector, and their batteries become key enablers of widespread electrification. Although high capacity and efficiency are essential for providing sufficient range and performance in electric vehicles, they can be compromised by the need to lower costs and environmental impacts and retain valuable materials. In the present work, multi-criteria decision analysis was adopted to assess the sustainability of different lithium-ion batteries. Life cycle carbon emissions and toxicity, material criticality, life cycle costs, specific energy, safety, and durability were considered in the analysis as key parameters of the transition to electric mobility. A subjective approach was chosen for the weight attribution of the criteria. Although certain alternatives, like lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide (NCM) and lithium nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA), outweigh others in specific energy, they lack in terms of safety, material preservation, and environmental impact. Addressing cost-related challenges is also important for making certain solutions competitive and largely accessible. Overall, while technical parameters are crucial for the development of lithium-ion batteries, it is equally important to consider the environmental burden, resource availability, and economic factors in the design process, alongside social aspects such as the ethical sourcing of materials to ensure their sustainability.

Impact of electric vehicle battery recycling on reducing raw material demand and battery life-cycle carbon emissions in China

The rapid growth of electric vehicles (EVs) in China challenges raw material demand. This study evaluates the impact of recycling and reusing EV batteries on reducing material demand and carbon emissions. Integrating a national-level vehicle stock turnover model with life-cycle carbon emission assessment, we found that replacing nickel-cobalt-manganese batteries with lithium iron phosphate batteries with battery recycling can reduce lithium, cobalt, and nickel demand between 2021 and 2060 by up to 7.8 million tons (Mt) (67%), 12.4 Mt (96%), and 37.2 Mt (93%), respectively, significantly decreasing reliance on import. Moreover, battery recycling coupled with reuse can reduce carbon emissions by up to 6,532-6,864 Mt (36.0-37.9%), depending on four recycling methods employed. However, this reuse strategy delays battery recycling and risks lithium supply shortage, necessitating trade-offs between carbon reduction and material supply. Future technologies, such as lithium-sulfur and all-solid-state batteries, despite their energy efficiency, might exacerbate lithium shortage, underscoring the crucial need for increased lithium supply.

Transition of Food Consumption Patterns and Carbon Footprint of Urban and Rural Residents in China

The food system is an important source of greenhouse gas emissions, and the carbon footprint analysis of food consumption under the dual carbon background is of great significance for the sustainable development of the food system. To reveal the differences in food consumption patterns and carbon footprints between urban and rural residents in China, the life cycle carbon emission coefficient method was used to measure the direct carbon emissions of food consumption by urban and rural residents in China from 2000 to 2021. From the perspective of carbon footprint composition, the following main conclusions were drawn： ① The structure of food consumption among residents in China shifted from predominantly plant-based to a balanced consumption of both plant- and animal-based foods, reducing the disparity in various food consumption quantities between urban and rural residents. ② The per capita carbon footprint from food consumption among Chinese residents exhibited an overall increasing trend from 2000 to 2021, with an average annual growth rate of 1.4%. Grain consumption contributed the most to the carbon footprint （22.2%）. ③ Currently, urban residents in China demonstrate significantly higher food consumption carbon footprints compared to those of rural residents, and this trend is continuously rising. In urban areas, the carbon footprint of plant-based foods was increasing at a higher rate than that of animal-based foods, while the opposite trend was observed in rural areas. ④ Factors such as per capita disposable income, per capita GDP, Engel coefficient, population structure, and various food consumption carbon footprints, as well as per capita food consumption carbon footprints, exhibited significant correlations. Here, we conducted a comprehensive study on the eating habits of urban and rural residents in China, along with the carbon emissions associated with their food consumption, which offer valuable insights that can guide sustainable food consumption practices among Chinese residents and contribute to the achievement of carbon neutrality in the food industry.

Carbon footprinting of railway infrastructure: a standardized, consistent data collection method

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the transport industry, comprised almost entirely of CO2, account for around 23% of global emissions. Reducing these emissions is crucial, if countries are to meet their carbon reduction targets. Given that net zero carbon emissions are beginning to be enacted into various countries’ laws, transport infrastructure owners now have time bound targets to meet. The accurate measurement of carbon currently expended by transport infrastructure is the first, and most critical, step of infrastructure owners’ journey towards carbon reduction, as this Business as Usual carbon expenditure will form the basis for both carbon reduction measures and expansion of carbon measurement from limited embodied and construction scopes though to whole life cycle carbon assessment. This article provides an overview of a transferable method for calculating the carbon footprint of railway infrastructure assets, based on a novel carbon calculation data form. Use of this form will ensure a standardized and consistent approach in data collection methods, enabling the creation of carbon footprints for small scale case studies of individual railway earthworks (around 100 m linear length) with a specific focus on the construction life cycle stages. These stages form the basis for future expansions to the whole life cycle and therefore accuracy in carbon footprinting is vital. These figures can also be used for aggregation across multiple interventions, and again accurate data are required to ensure inaccuracies are not amplified.

A Comprehensive Life Cycle Carbon Footprint Assessment Model for Electric Power Material Warehouses

Electric power material warehouses are critical to optimizing power grid supply chains and reducing carbon emissions, aiding the power sector’s decarbonization and climate goals. Nevertheless, to our knowledge, there are no comprehensive assessments of the life cycle carbon emissions associated with storage warehouses, so the emission reduction potential of the ever-increasing number of automated technologies is still unknown. This study presents an extensive life cycle carbon footprint assessment model tailored for electric power material warehouses, and it encompasses both traditional and automated frameworks. Utilizing a process-based life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology, carbon emissions across five distinct stages are examined: storage buildings and facilities, loading and unloading, transportation, packaging, and information management systems. For this purpose, warehouses in Jiangsu Province, China, are employed as a case study. The results show that automating warehouses can achieve a reduction in total carbon emissions of 42.85% compared with traditional warehouses, with total life cycle emissions of 39,531.26 tCO2, and the transportation stage is identified as the predominant contributor. This research not only offers actionable recommendations for strategies, including renewable energy integration, intelligent control systems, and standardized packaging protocols, but also establishes a framework for future investigations of refining carbon accounting methodologies—particularly in underexplored domains such as packaging.

Optimization of Compression Molding Parameters and Lifecycle Carbon Impact Assessment of Bamboo Fiber-Reinforced Polypropylene Composites.

Driven by global carbon neutrality goals, bamboo fiber-reinforced PP composites have shown significant potential for automotive applications due to their renewability, low carbon emissions, and superior mechanical properties. However, the environmental complexities associated with compression molding process parameters, which impact material properties and carbon emissions, pose challenges for large-scale adoption. This study systematically optimized the compression molding process of bamboo fiber-reinforced PP composites through a three-factor, five-level experimental design, focusing on preheating temperature, preheating time, and holding time. Additionally, an innovative life cycle assessment (LCA) was conducted to evaluate the environmental impact. The results indicated that at a preheating temperature of 220 °C, preheating time of 210-240 s, and holding time of 40-50 s, the material achieved a tensile strength of 35 MPa and a flexural strength of 45 MPa, with a 15% reduction in water absorption. The LCA further highlighted energy consumption, the compression molding process, and material composition as the primary contributors to carbon emissions and environmental impacts, identifying key areas for future optimization. This study provides an optimized framework for compression molding bamboo fiber-reinforced PP composites and establishes a theoretical foundation for their low-carbon application in the automotive industry. Future work will explore the optimization of bamboo fiber content and process parameters to further enhance material performance and reduce environmental impact.

Tradeoff optimization of urban roof systems oriented to food-water-energy nexus

Urban roof development serve as a form of urban tinkering that could provide favorable conditions to meet wicked food, water, and energy challenges. In this research, three urban roof systems are designed featuring food production, rainwater collection, building energy saving, and photovoltaic power generation, which are named the bare roof system, green roof system, and open-air farming roof system. Here we establish a generalizable framework to reveal the multifaceted tradeoffs of urban roof schemes integrating geographic information system, life cycle assessment, and multi-objective optimization and decision-making. Testing the framework in a typical compact city Shenzhen, China, results show that the rooftop suitability for food-water-energy function development within the city ranges from 26.21 % to 42.83 %. When implementing a city-wide roof system upscaling, the harvested rainwater on rooftops would contribute to 82.5 % of urban recycled water utilization target in 2035 and exhibit the fewest economic costs, but comes at the cost of life cycle carbon emissions and land occupation with 1850 kt and 140 km2. City-wide roof farming scenario shows potential to achieve the local self-sufficiency of vegetables, and stands out as the avoided transboundary energy footprints which are 4.5 times greater than life cycle energy consumption. Our research can foster the multiple tradeoff understanding between upscaling roof systems and urban food-water-energy nexus. The findings will assist in multi-objective decision-making for roof planning and sustainable transition in cities.

Experimental, economic, and life cycle carbon footprint assessment of low‐cost adsorbents for siloxane removal from landfill gas

AbstractSiloxane impurities in landfill gas (LFG) pose a significant challenge for downstream processing equipment used in energy recovery. This study investigated the adsorption capacity, cost, and environmental impact of five low‐cost adsorbent materials: biochar, clinoptilolite, hydrochar, diatomaceous‐earth, and crushed glass. Gravimetric analysis was used to determine the adsorption capacity of these materials for octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4). The results were then used to conduct a technoeconomic analysis (TEA) and life cycle assessment (LCA), comparing the selected adsorbents with activated carbon (AC), a commonly used adsorbent for siloxane removal. The TEA revealed that the cost of LFG purification with clinoptilolite, biochar, and AC was $0.035, $0.034, and $0.033/m3, respectively, for the base case studied. The cradle‐to‐gate LCA showed that clinoptilolite had significantly lower carbon emissions compared with the other adsorbents, both per kg of D4 captured and per kg of adsorbent produced. The potential fate of siloxanes after adsorption was discussed, emphasizing the importance of proper treatment and disposal of spent adsorbents. Surface modification techniques were recommended to enhance the adsorption capacity and regeneration of clinoptilolite, potentially reducing cost and carbon emissions in LFG purification. These findings highlight the potential of low‐cost adsorbents for sustainable LFG purification.

Building Information Modeling–Life Cycle Assessment: A Novel Technology for Rapid Calculation and Analysis System for Life Cycle Carbon Emissions of Bridges

With the rapid development of bridge construction, environmental concerns have become increasingly prominent. Low-carbon, green, and sustainable bridge engineering has emerged as an inevitable trend. A comprehensive carbon emission calculation system is key to achieving low-carbon bridges. This study proposes a rapid calculation and analysis system for bridge carbon emissions (Building Information Modeling–Life Cycle Assessment, BIM-LCA). This system, using the bridge information model as a carrier, calculates and manages data on material consumption, machinery, transportation, and energy throughout the bridge’s life cycle. It then calculates the carbon emissions for each stage. This system simplifies the complex and cumbersome data collection and analysis processes found in traditional methods while also making the carbon emissions across the full bridge life cycle more accessible and visible. Being applicable to all types of bridges, this system can provide insights and a basis for decision-making in the early design stages and during construction and operation to support carbon reduction. Ultimately, it promotes low-carbon, environmentally friendly, and sustainable bridge engineering development.

The life cycle assessment and scenario simulation prediction of intelligent electric vehicles

Currently, advancements in intelligence, connectivity, and electrification serve as crucial pillars for enhancing traffic efficiency and reducing energy consumption and emissions, with intelligent electric vehicles holding inherent advantages. This study employs life cycle assessment theory to develop models for evaluating the life cycle of intelligent electric and fuel vehicles, covering four stages: raw material acquisition, manufacturing and assembly, operation and use, and end-of-life recycling. This study further investigates the impact of single-vehicle intelligence and vehicle-road coordination technology on the life cycle energy-saving and emission-reduction performance of electric and fuel vehicles in urban and highway scenarios and examines the potential of clean power structures to reduce the energy consumption and emissions of intelligent electric vehicles. The findings indicate that in urban road scenarios, L2-L3 level intelligent electric vehicles with vehicle-road coordination technology reduce life cycle carbon emissions by 20.22 %-22.35 % compared to the L1 level, while fuel vehicles show a reduction of 15.77 %-19.58 %. In highway scenarios, intelligent electric vehicles achieve a reduction of 12.29 %-14.50 %, whereas fuel vehicles show a decrease of 3.47 %-5.91 %. Finally, a life cycle prediction evaluation model was developed to quantitatively forecast and compare the life cycle energy consumption and emissions of intelligent electric and fuel vehicles by 2035. Research indicates that by 2035, the life cycle carbon emissions of intelligent electric vehicles will decrease by 67.81 % compared to 2023 levels, whereas intelligent fuel vehicles will see a reduction of 60.78 %. The life cycle carbon emissions and overall environmental impact potential of intelligent electric vehicles are expected to be reduced by approximately 30 % and 29 %, respectively, compared to intelligent fuel vehicles. These findings provide theoretical and practical guidance for promoting and developing intelligent electric vehicles.

Optimization design of rural residences in severe cold zone of China weighing the dual-control objectives of life cycle carbon emission and economic cost

Optimization design of rural residences in severe cold zone of China weighing the dual-control objectives of life cycle carbon emission and economic cost

Double-Layer Optimization and Benefit Analysis of Shared Energy Storage Investment Considering Life-Cycle Carbon Emission

As a crucial path to promote the sustainable development of power systems, shared energy storage (SES) is receiving more and more attention. The SES generates carbon emissions during its manufacturing, usage, and recycling process, the neglect of which will introduce a certain extent of errors to the investment of SES, especially in the context of the large-scale integration of renewable energy and dramatic increase in demand for SES capacity. To enhance the accuracy of SES investment, we propose a double-layer optimization model to compute the optimal configuration of a shared energy storage station (SESS) considering its life-cycle carbon emission. First, the service mode, settlement method, profit mechanism, and application scenarios of SESS are introduced. Second, the life-cycle assessment approach is used to calculate the life-cycle carbon emission of SESS, and the uncertainty of supply and demand is considered. Then, a double-layer optimization model that considers the economic operation of multi-microgrid systems and the optimal allocation of SESS is established. The lower-layer model’s Karush–Kuhn–Tucher (KKT) condition is derived to convert the double-layer model into a single-layer one. Finally, a combined heat and power (CHP) three-microgrid system is used to demonstrate the validity of our proposed model, and the economy of SESS investment is analyzed from multiple perspectives. The results show that considering the life-cycle carbon emission of SESS can provide more accurate guidance for investing in and measuring the carbon emission and reduction for SESS.

Quantifying the life cycle emissions of hybrid structures with advanced bio- and conventional materialization for low-embodied carbon urban densification of the Amsterdam Metropolitan Area

More than 20% of global carbon emissions are linked with the production of construction materials used in the built environment. The use of bio-materials along with urban densification strategies that avoid demolition and reduce material demand, have been recommended to achieve urban sustainability goals. Addressing these measures, this study compares the life cycle embodied carbon emissions of seven hybrid top-up structural systems composed of concrete, steel and advanced engineered timber products made out of softwood and hardwood species. The life cycle carbon emissions (expressed in kgCO2-eq) were estimated following a cradle-to-grave approach, with a functional unit equivalent to 1 m2 of top-up structural system and focusing on The Netherlands and the city of Amsterdam as main geographical scope. A statistical analysis was included to account for the potential variation of emissions across each life cycle stage, using Monte Carlo simulations for random sampling. The results indicate that predominantly bio-based structures present a staggering 60% lower embodied carbon emissions compared with predominantly concrete, steel and modestly hybrid systems. Preserving the long-term carbon storage capacity of timber elements through high-quality reuse can offset 30–60% of the total positive emissions of the predominantly bio-based systems. Up to 6MtCO2-eq of the national carbon budget in The Netherlands can be saved from a radical uptake of bio-based structures in Amsterdam by 2050. Diversification of material diets with bio-based alternatives is recommended, along with established policy that can guarantee sustainable sourcing and prolonged lifespans through high-end reuse practices.

Provincial inequalities in life cycle carbon dioxide emissions and air pollutants from electric vehicles in China

It is still unclear whether emissions reductions from electric vehicles can be achieved across different regions from a lifecycle perspective. Here we use the life cycle assessment model and Quasi Input-Output model to evaluate the carbon dioxide emissions and air pollutants of internal combustion engine vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and battery electric vehicles in different provinces of China, with the provincial electricity consumption data and the sales data of electric vehicles. We find that battery electric vehicles have achieved 11.8% and 1.1% reduction in carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions, respectively, compared to internal combustion engine vehicles. In contrast, the emissions of sulfur dioxide and particulate matter 2.5 increased by 10% and 20%, respectively. Due to the coal-based power generation structure and the cold weather, the emission intensity of battery electric vehicles in most northern provinces is higher than that in southern provinces. From 2020 to 2030, improving technological progress and optimizing electricity mix will greatly assist in achieving emissions reduction. The results can help policy-makers better understand the emission characteristics and reasonably plan future emission reduction strategies in transportation.

Study on carbon emissions of a small hydropower plant in Southwest China

Hydropower plants with a small installed capacity, which are widely distributed in mountainous areas with abundant rainfall and steep rivers, play an important role in resolving energy problems in remote rural areas. These plants are a crucial source of clean electricity generated from water power. Harnessing local water resources not only helps alleviate energy shortages, but also reduces reliance on fossil fuels, contributing significantly to China’s national goals of achieving peak carbon emissions and carbon neutrality. This study investigates the carbon footprint of the Huangshadong Reservoir Project in Chongqing, China. The entire life cycle of the hydropower plant is assessed, including the preparation, construction, operation and maintenance, and demolition phases. The uncertainty was evaluated using the error propagation method. Following analysis, suggestions for carbon footprint reduction measures were proposed. Results showed that the total carbon footprint and the carbon intensity of the Huangshadong Reservoir Project over its entire life cycle are 33,148.29 t CO2e and 417.75 g CO2e/kWh, respectively. Of the total carbon footprint, the preparation phase, construction phase, operation and maintenance phase, and demolition phase account for 0.04%, 67.06%, 26.2%, and 6.7%, respectively. It means that the requirement for cement during the construction phase represents an important contribution to the entire life cycle carbon footprint of a small hydropower plant. As an integrated water conservancy project, the carbon intensity of the Huangshadong Reservoir Project is higher than that of medium-sized and large hydropower plants. However, its carbon intensity is lower than the emission factor of fossil power plants. The research results provide reference for both planning and construction of small hydropower plants and low-carbon development of rural hydraulic engineering.

Seasonal optimization of envelope and shading devices oriented towards low-carbon emission for premodern historic residential buildings of China

The renovation of historic residential buildings is required to balance the daylighting and thermal comfort of the building space with the conservation of the architectural features. However, there is a lack of dynamic optimization in the dimension of seasons for the historic residential buildings, while conservation factors are not considered in the design strategies. Therefore, in this study, a seasonal multi-optimization method for the historic residential buildings was introduced to improve the daylighting and thermal comfort while reducing carbon emissions. At first, the field and network investigation were conducted and a prototypical model was developed based on the second-order cluster analysis method. Furthermore, the envelope (internal insulation materials, internal insulation thickness, window types) and shading devices (inclination angle of shutters and shutter depth for different seasons and orientations) were optimized based on the Grasshopper platform. Finally, the best renovation solution orientated by low-carbon emission was proposed. The results show that the optimal material for the internal insulation of the wall is polyurethane, which has a thickness of 0.10 m. The window type is 6 mm high transmission reflective glass. The greatest inclination angle of shutters in summer is the window facing southeast. Conversely, in spring and autumn, the southwest windows have the greatest inclination angle of shutters. In winter, the inclination angle of shutters for the northeast windows is a maximum of 26°. The inclination angle of shutters for southwest windows in autumn is the most needed for design, and the angle is upward reversed 47°. The maximum shutter depth of 0.19 m in the southeastern windows is a 72.71 % improvement relative to the minimum shutter depth. Compared with the prototypical model, the useful daylight illuminance of the building model is improved by 12.41 %, the thermal discomfort hours percentage is reduced 3.09 %, and the life cycle carbon emissions is reduced by 14.6 %. The optimal design strategies for the building envelope and shading devices considering conservation principles can improve the daylighting and thermal comfort of the historic residential buildings.

Pharmaceutical, Clinical, and Regulatory Challenges of Reformulating Pressurized Metered-Dose Inhalers to Reduce Their Environmental Impact.

The chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) that were used as propellants in early pressurized metered-dose inhalers (pMDIs) had substantial ozone-depleting potential. Following the Montreal Protocol in 1987, the manufacture of a range of ozone-depleting substances, including CFCs, was gradually phased out, which required the propellants used in pMDIs to be replaced. Current pMDIs use hydrofluoroalkanes (HFAs) as propellants, such as 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFA-134a). Although these HFAs have no ozone-depleting potential, they have a high global warming potential (GWP), and consequently, their use is being phased down. One option for the discontinuation of HFA use in inhalers would be to discontinue all pMDIs, switching patients to dry powder inhalers (DPIs). However, a switch from pMDIs to DPIs may not be a clinically appropriate option for some patients; furthermore, the full lifecycle carbon footprint and the overall environmental impact of different inhalers should be considered. An alternative is therefore to reformulate the current HFA pMDIs to use low-GWP propellants, such as 1,1-difluoroethane (HFA-152a). This article summarizes the various steps and challenges associated with this change, illustrated using data from the inhaled triple combination of beclomethasone dipropionate, formoterol fumarate, and glycopyrronium bromide, a complex formulation of three molecules in a solution that contains liquid-phase propellant.

Electrification pathways for light-duty logistics vehicles based on perceived cost of ownership in Northern China

Urban decarbonization and environmental mitigation necessitate the electrification of light-duty logistics vehicles (LDLVs), including battery electric, plug-in hybrid, and hydrogen fuel cell variants. Although the market uptake of electric LDLVs is ecologically imperative, it is impeded by range anxiety and charging infrastructure limitations, particularly pronounced in Northern China’s cold climates. This paper employs a system dynamics model to assess the Perceived Cost of Ownership of electric LDLVs, integrating both direct expenses - initial investment and energy costs - and indirect factors like energy replenishment, vehicle substitution, and lifecycle carbon emissions. This analysis reveals that, notwithstanding higher upfront costs, electric LDLVs offer substantial economic and environmental advantages, with significant energy and maintenance savings projected by 2030 under various electrification scenarios. This paper predicts that policy incentives, electricity pricing, and technological progress will significantly influence the market dynamics and industry output of new energy vehicles in Northern China. Notably, the findings indicate that by 2030, electric LDLVs could achieve substantial cost savings and environmental benefits, with market penetration and industry output contingent on the interplay of policy support and technological advancements. The baseline scenario forecasts a 48.17% market share and CNY 60.015 billion in industry output, whereas the high-speed electrification scenario projects the most optimistic outcomes, with a 75.29% market share and CNY 306.087 billion in output.

Utilization of calcium carbide residue based soil stabilizer in road construction: Strength, environmental impact, and field application

This research paper delves into the utilization of calcium carbide residue (CCR)based stabilizer (designated as CSC) in road subgrade soil stabilization, with a comprehensive evaluation of its mechanical strength, environmental safety, and efficacy in field applications. Amid growing environmental concerns and the push for sustainable construction materials, this study presents an innovative approach by repurposing CCR, a by-product of the acetylene production process, in enhancing the structural integrity of road foundations. Through a series of laboratory tests, the investigation reveals significant improvements in the unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and California bearing ratio (CBR) of CSC-stabilized soils, compared to traditional lime stabilization methods. The field test DCPI results indicate that the CBR value of the field test CSC stabilised soil is 50.19% after three days, whereas the CBR value of the field test lime stabilised soil is only 29.51% after the same period. The CBR value of the CSC stabilised soil is significantly higher than that of the lime stabilised soil. This study also tested the leachate of the stabilised soil, analysing the concentration of heavy metals. The results indicated that the leachate from the stabilised soil complies with heavy metal leaching standards, demonstrating the ecological benefits of CSC utilisation. Furthermore, field experiments conducted on the G312 National Highway in Jiangsu Province, China, further validated the laboratory test results. The findings from the field trials indicated that sections stabilised with CSC exhibited superior performance in terms of reduced soil deformation and enhanced load-bearing capacity. Additionally, a life cycle carbon emission analysis was conducted for the field trial section, comparing the carbon emissions of the CSC binder with those of the lime binder throughout the entire life cycle of road construction. The results from the trial section demonstrated that the use of the CSC binder significantly reduced carbon emissions. The study underscores the potential of CSC as a cost-effective, environmentally friendly stabilizing agent, offering a pragmatic solution to the dual challenges of industrial waste management and soil stabilization in road construction.