Review of Supply Chain Based Embodied Carbon Estimating Method: A Case Study Based Analysis

Muhandiramge Nimashi Navodana Rodrigo, Srinath Perera, Sepani Senaratne and Xiaohua Jin
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Muhandiramge Nimashi Navodana Rodrigo: Centre for Smart Modern Construction, School of Engineering, Design and Built Environment, Western Sydney University, Kingswood, NSW 2747, Australia
Srinath Perera: Centre for Smart Modern Construction, School of Engineering, Design and Built Environment, Western Sydney University, Kingswood, NSW 2747, Australia
Sepani Senaratne: Centre for Smart Modern Construction, School of Engineering, Design and Built Environment, Western Sydney University, Kingswood, NSW 2747, Australia
Xiaohua Jin: Centre for Smart Modern Construction, School of Engineering, Design and Built Environment, Western Sydney University, Kingswood, NSW 2747, Australia

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 16, 1-20

Abstract: Carbon estimating plays a vital role in the construction industry. The current focus on introducing zero-carbon construction projects reduces operational carbon, at the expense of Embodied Carbon (EC). However, it is important to reduce overall net carbon emissions. There are various methods to estimate carbon, but the accuracy of these estimates is questionable. This paper reviews a novel methodology, the Supply Chain based Embodied carbon Estimating Method (SCEEM), which was introduced recently to accurately estimate EC in construction supply chains. SCEEM is compared against existing EC estimating methods (Blackbook and eToolLCD) using a case study approach. It is also supplemented with a comprehensive literature review of existing EC methods. The EC values calculated using Blackbook and eToolLCD were mostly higher than SCEEM. Since SCEEM uses actual site data and considers first principles-based value addition method to estimate EC, it is considered accurate. The cross-case analysis revealed that SCEEM provided consistent results. Hence, SCEEM is recommended to accurately estimate EC of any type of project.

Keywords: embodied carbon; embodied carbon estimating; Supply Chain based Embodied carbon Estimating Method (SCEEM); Blackbook; eToolLCD (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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