International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 01 | Jan 2025
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
www.irjet.net
Assessment of Embodied Carbon in Residential Construction: A Case Study from India Thoufeeq Ahmed1 1Civil Engineer, Mahbubnagar District, Telangana State, India
---------------------------------------------------------------------***---------------------------------------------------------------------
Abstract - This study evaluates the embodied carbon
industries and construction together emitted 18.68% of total emissions from the energy sector, which accounted for about 75% of the total GHG emissions for the year 2016 [2]. Refer Fig: 1.
emissions associated with residential construction in India, focusing on a single-story reinforced cement concrete (RCC) building in Mahbubnagar District, Telangana. Using the Whole Life Carbon Assessment (WLCA) framework developed by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the study examines emissions across key life cycle stages- material production stage (A1-A3), material transportation stage (A4), and construction stage (A5) for four primary building materials: cement (OPC), steel Fe 550D, aggregates (Fine & Coarse), and Solid Red bricks. Results reveal that the production stage (A1-A3) contributes the majority of emissions, followed by the transportation stage (A4) and construction stage (A5). Cement (OPC) is the largest contributor, accounting for 40.21% of total emissions. This study highlights the critical need for sustainable material sourcing and efficient construction practices to mitigate the environmental impact of India's rapidly growing housing sector. The findings serve as a basis for developing strategies to achieve low-carbon residential buildings. Key Words: Embodied Carbon Emissions, Residential Construction, Reinforced Cement Concrete (RCC), Whole Life Carbon Assessment (WLCA), Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), Life Cycle Stages, Material Production (A1A3), Material Transportation (A4), Construction Stage (A5), Cement (OPC), Steel Fe 550D, Aggregates, Solid Red Bricks, Sustainable Material Sourcing, Low-Carbon Buildings.
Fig-1: Greenhouse gas emissions by category, GgCO2e, 2016. SOURCE: [2]
INTRODUCTION
Carbon Emissions during the Life Cycle of Buildings:
GHG Emissions
Carbon is generally classified into three categories Embodied carbon, Operational carbon, and End-of-life carbon.
Any gases that contribute to the greenhouse effect that causes global warming. The primary greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere are: carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (NO2), ozone (O3), chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), and water vapor (H₂O) [1].
• Embodied carbon is the result of the supply chain (transport), extraction, processing, and manufacturing of building materials, before construction and during construction or renovation activities.
According to India's Biennial Update Report (BUR 3)2021, the iron and steel sector (1A2a), CO₂ contributed to 5%, while the cement production (2A1), CO₂ accounted for 4% and electricity production (1A1a) CO₂ was the single largest source in this category, accounting for about 40% of the national total GHG emissions in 2016 [2]. The other sectors, together contributed about 10% to energy sector emissions with approximately 60% share coming from the residential sector (1A4b) CO₂ [2]. The manufacturing
© 2025, IRJET
|
Impact Factor value: 8.315
• Operational carbon is from the use of energy, materials, and the generation of waste during building operations and renovations. • End-of-life carbon shall also be considered which is pertinent during the demolition of buildings and recycling of materials & technologies (resource circularity) [3].
|
ISO 9001:2008 Certified Journal
|
Page 162