scholarly journals Embodied Carbon as a Material Selection Criterion: Insights from Sri Lankan Construction Sector

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 2202
Author(s):  
Amalka Nawarathna ◽  
Muditha Siriwardana ◽  
Zaid Alwan
Keyword(s):  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Material Selection ◽  
Selection Criterion ◽  
Green Building ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Rating Systems ◽  
Embodied Carbon ◽  
The Government

The choice of materials is crucial in responding to the increasing embodied carbon (EC) impacts of buildings. Building professionals involved in material selection for construction projects have a vital role to play in this regard. This paper aimed to explore the extent to which building professionals in Sri Lanka considered EC as a material selection criterion. A questionnaire survey was conducted among a sample of building professionals in Sri Lanka. The results indicated that the consideration of EC as a material selection criterion remained low among key professionals, such as architects, engineers, and sustainability managers, despite their reasonable influencing powers and knowledge of EC. Those respondents who had considered EC as a selection criterion said they had been primarily driven by green building rating systems and previous experience. Those respondents who had not considered EC during material selection commonly reported that they had been prevented from doing so by the lack of regulations and the lack of alternative low carbon materials. Respondents believed that the involvement of actors, such as the government, professional bodies, environmental organizations, activist groups, and the public, may be significant in promoting the greater consideration of EC during material selection.

scholarly journals Constructing the Embodied Carbon Flows and Emissions Landscape from the Perspective of Supply Chain

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 3865 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qingjian Zhao ◽  
Zuomin Wen ◽  
Anne Toppinen
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Process Management ◽  
Hot Spot ◽  
Carbon Sources ◽  
Pulp And Paper ◽  
Chain Model ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Embodied Carbon ◽  
Multi Level ◽  
The Government

From the perspective of supply chain, benchmarking the embodied carbon flows and emissions landscape is to study the carbon footprint in supply chain production and process management. On the basis of the theory of a green supply chain, this paper conducted its research through the following steps. First, a multi-level supply chain model was proposed and established, and various sectors, production and management processes, and inputs and outputs of different resources were integrated into the supply chain network, and then divided into multiple levels. Second, a multi-level embodied carbon flow and emissions model was established through the Leontief Inverse. Third, based on the operation data of forestry-pulp and paper companies, the embodied carbon flows and emissions at all levels and sectors were estimated and analyzed. Finally, the dismantling and processing methods of complex carbon network structures were explored, the hot-spot carbon sources and paths were obtained, and the low-carbon innovation and development strategies were proposed. The research results show that: (1) Supply chain is a new idea and carrier to study the spatial and state changes of carbon, and also provides a platform for spatial landscape analysis of carbon; (2) The modeling and calculation of carbon flows and emissions offer a new solution of evaluating the environmental performance of companies with high pollution and emission such as forestry-pulp and paper companies, and provide the government effective technical support to implement environmental regulations and formulate carbon emission reduction policies.

Oregon design professionals views on structural building products in green buildings: implications for wood

2011 ◽  
Vol 41 (2) ◽  
pp. 390-400 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris Knowles ◽  
Christine Theodoropoulos ◽  
Corey Griffin ◽  
Jennifer Allen
Keyword(s):  
Structural Material ◽  
Environmental Performance ◽  
Building Materials ◽  
Material Selection ◽  
Green Building ◽  
Wood Products ◽  
Forest Stewardship Council ◽  
Rating Systems ◽  
Forest Stewardship ◽  
Group Interviews

Buildings have been shown to have impacts on the environment. Consequently, green building rating systems have become a tool to help reduce these impacts. The objectives of this study were to identify gaps in information and access to green building materials as viewed by Oregon design professionals. The scope was limited to the major structural materials: concrete, steel, and wood. This article focuses on the results unique to wood products. Information was collected through group interviews. Each group was composed of professionals representing different aspects of material selection and construction of different scales. The results showed that structural material selection is driven by building code, cost, and building performance requirements. The environmental performance of the material was not considered. However, once the material was selected, designers tried to maximize environmental performance. The results showed that green building rating systems do not influence structural material selection, and interviewees noted that there is room for improvement in this area. Respondents had a positive view of wood and a strong desire to use more wood, particularly Forest Stewardship Council certified wood. Wood was viewed as the most sustainable structural material available. However, there were some concerns about wood products, with formaldehyde emissions being the most significant.

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

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (16) ◽  
pp. 9171
Author(s):  
Muhandiramge Nimashi Navodana Rodrigo ◽  
Srinath Perera ◽  
Sepani Senaratne ◽  
Xiaohua Jin
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
First Principles ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Embodied Carbon ◽  
Zero Carbon ◽  
Cross Case Analysis

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.

scholarly journals Techno-Economic Analysis of Green Construction Regulations Plus Survey for Prototype Implementation in Karachi

2021 ◽  
Vol 64 (2) ◽  
pp. 161-172
Author(s):  
Muhammad Imran Majid ◽  
Muhammad Ibrahim Khan
Keyword(s):  
Construction Projects ◽  
Building Materials ◽  
Green Building ◽  
Green Buildings ◽  
Indoor Environmental Quality ◽  
Major Barrier ◽  
Green Construction ◽  
Construction Methods ◽  
Local Construction ◽  
The Government

  Conventional buildings consume large amounts of energy and are the source of greenhouse gas emissions contributing to climate change. The shortage of green buildings in Pakistan have been said to be due to shortage of knowledge of the benefits of essential green building materials and the absence of  a regulatory framework. The study is qualitative and quantitative and is divided into two parts. This review paper focuses on awareness in the Pakistan's local construction market concerning green buildings through a survey questionnaire. Data collection procedure consists of 60 questionnaires related to green building construction awareness and priorities within Karachi's construction sector. Also, a focus group and personal interviews conducted with at least 5 professionals working in local construction projects are analyzed. The research questions formed from detailed literature review were analyzed and found that energy conservation, environmental/resource conservation and improving indoor environmental quality are major driving factors for green building development. Similarly, there is a lack of knowledge of green construction methods and regulations and lack of support from the government. This has been found as the major barrier in going towards green construction. We recommend policy directions towards this end and elaborate points of concern to the authorities.    

scholarly journals Factors Influencing Engineers’ Attitude towards Environmental Sustainability

2018 ◽  
Vol 65 ◽  
pp. 04003
Author(s):  
Siti Nur Fazillah Mohd Fauzi ◽  
Nor’Aini Yusof ◽  
Hanizam Awang ◽  
Mohd Nurfadzli Mat Nah
Keyword(s):  
Environmental Sustainability ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Peninsular Malaysia ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Government Support ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Responsible Attitude ◽  
The Government ◽  
The Relationship

Engineers have a vital role in addressing environmental degradation in construction projects. Therefore, engineers’ positive attitude towards the environment is important to ensure that construction projects are carried out responsibly. The objective of this paper is to investigate the factors that influence engineers’ attitude towards green practice. Six factors; Knowledge, Self-initiative, Firm Support, Government Support, Board of Engineers Support and Client Attributes were assumed to influence the engineers’ attitude towards green practice. A self-administered survey with 37 items was distributed to engineering firms in Peninsular Malaysia and 128 usable responses were received. The results show a moderate relationship with 32 percent of the variances in the relationship between the six factors and engineers’ attitude. The results reveal that self-initiative and government support have a significant and positive impact on the engineers’ attitude towards green practice with the higher effect coming from the support from the government (f2 = 0.210) as compared to self-initiative (f2 = 0.058). In contrast, the results provide insufficient evidence about the relationship between Knowledge, Firm Support, Board of engineers Support and Client Attributes and engineers’ attitude towards green practice. The results serve as a guide to the policy makers and engineers to ensure responsible attitude can be adopted towards the environment.

Low Carbon Footprint

2015 ◽  
pp. 324-347 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Shabir Shaharudin ◽  
Yudi Fernando
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Carbon Emissions ◽  
Manufacturing Industry ◽  
Green Building ◽  
Green Technology ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Supply Chain Networks ◽  
Government Organizations ◽  
Carbon Supply ◽  
The Government

Malaysia has committed to a 40% reduction of carbon emissions by 2020. The government has encouraged industry, society, and non-government organizations to work together to achieve this objective. The government has provided incentives through several energy programmes such as energy efficiency, renewable energy, green technology, and green building. One key area that has been targeted is logistics and supply chain, which has been contributing to high carbon emissions in manufacturing industries. Scholars and practitioners have only recently begun to pay attention to creating a low carbon supply chain. Furthermore, Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have faced several challenges in adopting low carbon activities. SMEs are unable to take the advantage of energy initiatives because of a lack of knowledge, a shortage of funds, and inadequate facilities. Almost 90% of firms are in the service industry working with large manufacturing firms and some SMEs working in manufacturing industry are working closely with their supply chain networks; achieving low carbon targets is hampered by the readiness of the manufacturing itself. This chapter discusses the challenges and future agenda of creating low carbon supply chains in manufacturing in Malaysia. Possible solutions are provided at the end of the chapter.

Low Carbon Footprint

2017 ◽  
pp. 1414-1437
Author(s):  
Muhammad Shabir Shaharudin ◽  
Yudi Fernando
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Carbon Emissions ◽  
Manufacturing Industry ◽  
Green Building ◽  
Green Technology ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Supply Chain Networks ◽  
Government Organizations ◽  
Carbon Supply ◽  
The Government

Malaysia has committed to a 40% reduction of carbon emissions by 2020. The government has encouraged industry, society, and non-government organizations to work together to achieve this objective. The government has provided incentives through several energy programmes such as energy efficiency, renewable energy, green technology, and green building. One key area that has been targeted is logistics and supply chain, which has been contributing to high carbon emissions in manufacturing industries. Scholars and practitioners have only recently begun to pay attention to creating a low carbon supply chain. Furthermore, Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs) have faced several challenges in adopting low carbon activities. SMEs are unable to take the advantage of energy initiatives because of a lack of knowledge, a shortage of funds, and inadequate facilities. Almost 90% of firms are in the service industry working with large manufacturing firms and some SMEs working in manufacturing industry are working closely with their supply chain networks; achieving low carbon targets is hampered by the readiness of the manufacturing itself. This chapter discusses the challenges and future agenda of creating low carbon supply chains in manufacturing in Malaysia. Possible solutions are provided at the end of the chapter.

The adoption of green building practices in construction projects in Qatar: a preliminary study

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (6) ◽  
pp. 1238-1255 ◽  
Author(s):  
Redhwan Mohammed Saleh ◽  
Abdullah Al-Swidi
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Dioxide Emissions ◽  
Construction Projects ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Environmental Concern ◽  
Green Building ◽  
Government Support ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Awareness Campaigns ◽  
The Government

Purpose It is widely known that carbon dioxide emissions and climate change are among the most critical global challenges. These issues were worsened partly by the continuous adoption of traditional non-green behaviors and practices in the construction sector. As both environmental and health-related practices continue to worsen, practitioners, researchers and government think tanks are taking a major shift to promote green building practices (GBP). The purpose of this paper is to examine and investigate the effects of several environment-related variables such as sustainable government support, environmental concern and green engagement in the adoption of GBP. Design/methodology/approach The model of the study was developed based on the integration of the theory of planned behavior (TPB), value-belief-norm and cognition-affective behavior (CAB). The instrument used to capture these constructs was adapted from existing validated instruments. The data were collected from Qatar-based consultant and contractor engineers. Of the 877 questionnaires distributed, 378 were completed which yields a response rate of 43 percent. The collected data were analyzed by employing the PLS-SEM approach. First, the measurement model was examined to confirm the validity and reliability of the measures. Next, the structural model was analyzed to test the hypotheses of the study. Findings The results of the study showed that environment-related variables such as green engagement, sustainable government support and environmental concern have strong effects on GBP along with other TPB variables, namely, subjective norms and attitudes. Research limitations/implications Although the objectives of the study were achieved, there are still some limitations. First, this study yields a deemed suitable response rate. Second, since this research focused solely on the view of the contractors and consultants of the country’s engineering sector, it may have narrowed down the real scenario. Practical implications Besides the government providing awareness campaigns on the importance of GBP in reducing pollution, the government may also set some regulations to be followed by construction companies to reduce the negative impacts on the environment and regulations that could motivate the decision makers to increase the green construction projects and practices. In addition, the engineers still need some supports from green building authorities and government to motivate them toward GBP. Some incentives that could be offered by the government are financial allowances, funding and reduced governmental fees. Originality/value This study has a great theoretical value since it extended the TPB by incorporating some important environment-related variables to explain the adoption of GBP. In addition, from the practical perspective, this study provides useful insights for the practitioners and policy makers who are concerned about designing and planning environment-friendly strategies in the sector of construction.

Quantified CO2-related indicators for green building rating systems in China: Comparative study with Japan and Taiwan

2020 ◽  
pp. 1420326X1989437
Author(s):  
Ke Liu ◽  
Jiawei Leng
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Methods ◽  
Green Building ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Rating Systems ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative ◽  
Qualitative And Quantitative Methods ◽  
Narrow Scope ◽  
Indirect Evaluation ◽  
Assessment Standard

Buildings’ CO2-related indicators are essential in checking negative effects of global warming on the environment. They are required in Green Building Rating Systems (GBRS) to promote low-carbon development. Most of Asian GBRS consider CO2-related evaluations. In China, Assessment Standard for Green Buildings (ASGB) includes CO2-related indicators; however, the standard lacks the necessary specification for quantisation and compulsory requirements for evaluation. There is a lack of research regarding its updated version, ASGB-2019. The objective of this paper is to propose a framework of CO2-related indicators in ASGB-2019, through comparative analyses of Japanese (CASBEE) and Taiwanese (EEWH) GBRS. CO2-related indicators were compared in terms of structure, weights, evaluation and calculation methods. CO2-related indicators cover the first and second level indexes and are included in direct and indirect evaluation in all three GBRS. While scopes of CO2-related indicators are different among these three GBRS, weights from large to small are EEWH, CASBEE and ASGB. CASBEE and EEWH would give more importance to CO2-related calculation than ASGB. The proposed framework will guide CO2-related evaluations in ASGB-2019 by combining qualitative and quantitative methods. For ASGB-2019, the scope of CO2-related indicators should be broadened to include the Required and Encouragement indicators, the weights could be around 50% for broad scope and 16% for narrow scope. The CO2 emissions calculation should be an indispensable indicator.

scholarly journals Low-Carbon Design Path of Building Integrated Photovoltaics: A Comparative Study Based on Green Building Rating Systems

Buildings ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 469
Author(s):  
Ke Liu ◽  
Beili Zhu ◽  
Jianping Chen
Keyword(s):  
Co2 Emissions ◽  
Architectural Design ◽  
Global Climate ◽  
Green Building ◽  
Assessment Method ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Energy Materials ◽  
Rating Systems ◽  
Building Integrated Photovoltaics ◽  
Assessment Standard

CO2 emissions of buildings have a critical impact on the global climate change, and various green building rating systems (GBRS) have suggested low-carbon requirements to regulate building emissions. Building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), as an integrated technology of photovoltaics and buildings, is an important way to reduce building CO2 emissions. At present, the low-carbon design path of BIPV from architecture is still not unified and clear, and there is a lack of BIPV research regarding GBRS or from the perspective of architectural design in China. The objective of this study is to propose a framework of indicators related to carbon emission control in BIPV, guiding the path of BIPV low-carbon design. This study makes comparisons among the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM), and Assessment Standard for Green Buildings (ASGB), mainly in terms of the scope weight, induction, and measure features. The BIPV low-carbon design involves energy, materials, environmental adaptability, management, and innovation, in which energy and materials are the main scopes with weights of 10.98% and 7.46%, respectively. The five scopes included 17 measures. Following the measures, the path of the BIPV low-carbon design was defined with six aspects.

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