The International Association for Automation and Robotics in Construction
Publications / CSCE/CRC 2025 - Montreal, Canada
Carbon Footprint Assessment Model for Sustainable Construction Sites
The construction industry plays a significant role in global carbon emissions, yet the focus of decarbonization efforts often centers on the operational phase of buildings and facilities. The construction phase, a critical contributor to overall emissions, has received comparatively less attention. This paper presents the development of a comprehensive model model for measuring and evaluating the carbon footprint of construction projects, addressing this gap. The proposed model leverages conversion factors from reputable standards, including the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol, to ensure accuracy and reliability. It evaluates both direct emissions, such as those produced by construction processes involving heavy machinery, and indirect emissions, such as the energy consumption of temporary site facilities and utility use. This dual-layer approach provides a holistic view of emissions during the construction stage. By integrating data from construction activities, the model identifies and quantifies the carbon emissions associated with various processes and operations. Construction managers can utilize the outputs of the model to pinpoint high-emission activities and develop targeted mitigation strategies. This allows for informed decision-making aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of construction projects. The implementation of the model not only promotes sustainable construction practices but also supports compliance with international standards and climate action goals. Through practical applications and case studies, this paper demonstrates the utility of the model in real-world scenarios, emphasizing its adaptability to different project types and scales.