CARBON-CONSCIOUS MATERIAL SELECTION IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS: A LIFE-CYCLE ASSESSMENT APPROACH

Abstract

The construction sector is under growing pressure to cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions without compromising project cost, quality, functionality, and delivery goals. Selection of materials is an important aspect of project management decisions because of the environmental impacts that construction materials have through their extraction, manufacture, transportation, use, and end of life. The present research aims at investigating the possible role of life-cycle carbon assessment in sustainable construction project management by comparing a number of green construction materials and technologies. In consideration of the conventional construction alternatives, bamboo, recycled steel and solar photovoltaic systems are taken into account. Two case studies on the use of life-cycle carbon information in Australian construction projects, such as RMIT Design Hub and the Sydney International Regatta Centre, are explored. The results from the case-study calculations suggest significant carbon gains from recycled steel and solar PVs. The Sydney International Regatta Centre case results in a more or less 125 tCO₂ saving due to recycled steel and a more or less 951 tCO₂ benefit due to solar photovoltaic integration, while the RMIT case shows significant potential carbon benefit from using solar photovoltaic integration. It is suggested that the findings will support and facilitate the inclusion of life-cycle carbon assessment in the project planning and procurement, sustainability monitoring and material selection process. The study also makes a contribution to project management literature by recognizing LCA as a mechanism for supporting decision making in carbon-conscious construction management, rather than just an environmental assessment tool, which is the traditional approach.