Calculation of Carbon Emissions During Construction Using the Carbon Emission Factor Method

In recent years, greenhouse gas emissions have become a hot topic of international concern. Construction projects will result in significant greenhouse gas emissions. Accurate calculation of carbon emissions is essential for taking appropriate measures to reduce carbon emissions during construction. Several studies in the construction sector have been performed to measure and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, extensive and in-depth research on this topic is lacking. This article describes its scope for calculating carbon emissions and analyzing prior research in the construction industry. Using the site as the spatial boundary, we used the carbon emission factor method (CEFM) to calculate energy and carbon emissions in the construction phase. Based on the selected carbon emission factor method of calculation, different sources of activity data of each carbon source and emission factor data in the construction phase are summarized in terms of activity data acquisition and carbon emission factor selection, and comparative analysis of data accuracy and difficulty of acquisition is carried out. Excellent practices are proposed according to different construction practical situations. This study's results will help better guide carbon emission calculations throughout the construction phase and give a more solid basis for data selection for carbon emission calculations across different scenarios.