House construction CO₂ footprint quantification: a BIM approach

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to establish a baseline for carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions quantification in the current residential construction process. Opportunities to reduce the environmental footprint of the homebuilding process are also identified.

Design/methodology/approach

CO₂ emissions of various house construction stages are quantified and utilised in a 3D building information model. This allows rapid emission computations for various house sizes, designs and materials. An intelligent database calculates emissions for different house styles with different construction processes.

Findings

Two construction stages (basement walls foundation and framing) were identified as high CO₂ emissions contributors. In addition, equipment operation on site, transportation to and from the site and heating for curing concrete were identified as the main sources of emissions during construction.

Originality/value

The paper addresses the limited attention given to CO₂ emissions during the actual construction process. The introduction of building information modeling for quantifying emissions in the construction process is of significant value. This research is pertinent to the international homebuilding industry and homebuyers who all have a role in mitigating CO₂ emissions.

Citation

Mah, D., Manrique, J.D., Yu, H., Al‐Hussein, M. and Nasseri, R. (2011), "House construction CO₂ footprint quantification: a BIM approach", Construction Innovation, Vol. 11 No. 2, pp. 161-178. https://doi.org/10.1108/14714171111124149