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Carbon Emissions of Construction Processes on Urban Construction Sites

Author

Listed:
  • Maximilian Weigert

    (Institute of Construction Process and Construction Economics, TU Wien, 1040 Vienna, Austria)

  • Oleksandr Melnyk

    (Institute of Construction Process and Construction Economics, TU Wien, 1040 Vienna, Austria)

  • Leopold Winkler

    (Institute of Construction Process and Construction Economics, TU Wien, 1040 Vienna, Austria)

  • Jacqueline Raab

    (Institute of Construction Process and Construction Economics, TU Wien, 1040 Vienna, Austria)

Abstract

For Europe to achieve “climate neutrality” by 2050, emissions from all economic sectors must be reduced to the absolute minimum. In addition to changes in raw material extraction and building material production, the construction industry must embrace emission-free construction sites. The present paper suggests a method to calculate carbon emissions on construction sites by defining all fuel-consuming processes while relying on established European standards. A set of system boundaries is defined to single out emissions that occur in the construction industry sphere. These definitions are essential to calculate savings through the entire construction process. This method is subsequently used to assess the carbon balance of four exemplary construction sites in Austria, which cover the total span of the construction life cycle. Results show that the largest share of emissions is attributed to transport during the construction of new buildings, followed by emissions from demolition and building processes.

Suggested Citation

  • Maximilian Weigert & Oleksandr Melnyk & Leopold Winkler & Jacqueline Raab, 2022. "Carbon Emissions of Construction Processes on Urban Construction Sites," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-14, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:19:p:12947-:d:938282
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Davide Simeone & Marianna Rotilio & Federica Cucchiella, 2023. "Construction Work and Utilities in Historic Centers: Strategies for a Transition towards Fuel-Free Construction Sites," Energies, MDPI, vol. 16(2), pages 1-20, January.

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