A proposed framework for measuring direct and indirect carbon emissions in the operational phase of a construction project: a case study

Abstract

The construction sector is one of the most significant contributors to the carbon footprint. Buildings are primarily responsible for emitting high levels of carbon throughout their entire life cycle, from construction to operation and disposal. Researchers have discussed carbon dioxide emissions from different references and ways of reduction and mitigation techniques to cease rising temperatures and global warming. The various sources of greenhouse emissions in the construction industry are discussed in this paper to understand their negative impact better. A framework is developed for the buildings’ operational phase. It is used to quantify that effect and physical properties to measurables to assist policymakers, stakeholders, and decision-makers in making better decisions and choices to reduce carbon emissions during the operation process. This framework aims to make it more flexible, easy to use for stakeholders, involves their feedback from the beginning of the process, and applies to the ground. Furthermore, a case study was applied to the Nile University operational phase to test the eligibility of the proposed framework in calculating the carbon emissions of a medium-scale building.

Keywords

• carbon footprint
• carbon emissions
• construction industry
• operations phase
• case study