Short answer
Integrate life cycle assessment early in the design process, paying close attention to the embodied carbon of materials and construction methods, not just operational energy use.
- Field
- Sustainability
- Source
- Environmental Chemistry Letters (2023)
- Method
- Literature Review
- Evidence
- Strong effect
The construction phase of a building's life cycle can account for 20-50% of its total carbon emissions, with an average ratio of construction emissions to operational emissions of 0.62. This sustainability research insight is drawn from a 2023 study published in Environmental Chemistry Letters. Using Literature review, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Integrate life cycle assessment early in the design process, paying close attention to the embodied carbon of materials and construction methods, not just operational energy use.
Construction phase emissions significantly impact building carbon footprint
The construction phase of a building's life cycle can account for 20-50% of its total carbon emissions, with an average ratio of construction emissions to operational emissions of 0.62.
Environmental Chemistry Letters · 2023
Key Findings
- 01The construction phase accounts for 20-50% of total carbon emissions over a building's life cycle.
- 02The average ratio of construction phase annual emissions to operation phase emissions is 0.62.
Application
Design takeaway
Integrate life cycle assessment early in the design process, paying close attention to the embodied carbon of materials and construction methods, not just operational energy use.
How to apply
When specifying materials for a new design project, research and compare the embodied carbon data for different options. Consider prefabrication or modular construction techniques that can reduce on-site construction time and associated emissions.
Project actions
- 01When researching materials, look for their 'embodied carbon' figures.
- 02Consider how your chosen construction method might affect emissions.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Provides a crucial perspective on the often-overlooked construction phase emissions.
- +Synthesizes global data and policy frameworks.
Limitations
The exact percentage of construction emissions can be hard to pinpoint without a detailed life cycle assessment for a specific project.
Reliability & validity
The findings are based on a literature review, so reliability and validity depend on the quality and consistency of the original studies. The wide range of percentages suggests variability in data collection and analysis methods across different sources.
Think critically
If the construction phase is so impactful, what are the most effective strategies for designers and engineers to mitigate these emissions, and how can these strategies be realistically implemented in diverse construction projects?
Design Principles
"Minimize embodied carbon through material selection and efficient construction practices."
This highlights that focusing solely on operational energy efficiency is insufficient for achieving true sustainability in the built environment. Designers and engineers must consider the embodied carbon within materials and the emissions generated during the construction process itself.
What This Means for Your Design
When you build something, the actual building process creates a lot of pollution, not just when people use the building later.
How to use in your project
- 1.Cite this research when discussing the environmental impact of your design choices, particularly regarding material selection and construction methods.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
Research indicates that the construction phase of a building's life cycle is a significant contributor to its overall carbon footprint, accounting for 20-50% of total emissions. This underscores the importance of considering embodied carbon in material selection and optimizing construction processes to achieve genuine sustainability.
Source
Environmental Chemistry Letters
Green construction for low-carbon cities: a review
journal · 2023
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about construction phase emissions significantly impact building carbon footprint?
- Integrate life cycle assessment early in the design process, paying close attention to the embodied carbon of materials and construction methods, not just operational energy use. Evidence: Environmental Chemistry Letters (2023).
- Why does "Construction phase emissions significantly impact building carbon footprint" matter for design?
- This highlights that focusing solely on operational energy efficiency is insufficient for achieving true sustainability in the built environment. Designers and engineers must consider the embodied carbon within materials and the emissions generated during the construction process itself.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Integrate life cycle assessment early in the design process, paying close attention to the embodied carbon of materials and construction methods, not just operational energy use.
- What were the main findings?
- The construction phase accounts for 20-50% of total carbon emissions over a building's life cycle.. The average ratio of construction phase annual emissions to operation phase emissions is 0.62.
- What research method was used?
- Literature Review.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2023 journal from Environmental Chemistry Letters.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When specifying materials for a new design project, research and compare the embodied carbon data for different options. Consider prefabrication or modular construction techniques that can reduce on-site construction time and associated emissions.
- What are the limitations?
- The review synthesizes data from various sources, which may have differing methodologies for calculating emissions. The specific percentages can vary widely depending on building type, materials used, and construction techniques.