Modern Methods of Construction for Sustainability: Achieving Zero Carbon

Rasheed E., Mahmoodi M. and Kakouei M.

Chapter 7 in Building a Body of Knowledge in Modern Methods of Construction and Offsite Construction, 2025, pp 150-190 from World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd.

Abstract: Buildings are responsible for 39% of global energy-related carbon emissions. 28% are from operational emissions. In New Zealand, the built environment generates 20% of carbon emissions. These emissions come from construction activities and building maintenance. The 2022 Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction notes that the buildings and construction sector needs to be on track to achieve decarbonisation by 2050. However, the gap between the actual climate performance of the sector and the decarbonisation pathway is widening. Achieving zero carbon in construction activities in the life cycle of facilities is key to closing this gap.The advent of technology has enabled modern methods to be employed in the life cycle of buildings. This chapter explores the various modern methods and tools used in the construction industry to target zero-carbon construction and building management. We employ a narrative of available literature on the benefits and currency of modern construction methods for sustainability. Our analysis concentrates on various ways modern tools have influenced construction activities and the maintenance of buildings wherein significant carbon emissions and energy use are reduced.Prevalent modern methods, particularly the use of Building Information Modelling (BIM) and the management of sustainability strategies towards reducing energy use or eliminating carbon emissions in the built environment, are presented in this chapter. These include using BIM for energy efficiency, Lean Construction, field/robotics, heritage buildings, and digitalisation of post-occupation evaluations — Internet of Things (IoT).The work presented in this chapter evidenced the importance of modern methods of construction as a pivotal opportunity to address the pressing challenges of climate change and GreenHouse Gas (GHG) emissions in the construction industry.

Keywords: Modern Methods Of Construction; Offsite Construction; Prefabrication; Digital Technology; Sustainability; Circular Economy; Supply Chain; Procurement; Health & Safety; Risk; Capacity and Capability; Offsite Manufacturing; Preassembly; Innovation (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: D24 L7 L74 M11 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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