Work

Sustainable Construction: The Embodied Carbon Impact of Infrastructures and Landscaping

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: The growing importance of the embodied, as opposed to operational, impacts of construction, is well recognised. However, the impact of site works, infrastructures, and landscaping has been little explored; most focus has been on the buildings rather than what is around and underneath them. Yet these, especially in city contexts, are extensive. They are also both costly and carbon-intensive, involving mainly concrete and steel. Through intentionally simple examples, we compare the carbon impact of the buildings themselves to that of site works both on and below the surface – not least underground parking. These also represent major land use interventions often impacting the whole project site area. It is shown that these can already constitute a considerable fraction of the total carbon footprint of construction projects. Further, this fraction is likely to increase as the buildings themselves achieve much lower operational as well as embodied energy/carbon. We briefly note some broader issues relating to building typologies, materials, and the varying significance of the infrastructures and site works in different climates. The carbon impacts of the site work need to be addressed more sustainably, irrespective of varying contexts. This perspective has implications for sustainable design as well as for urban planning.

Source: Urban Science

DOI: 10.3390/urbansci8030076

Authors: Chris Butters, Ali Cheshmehzangi, Reza Bakhshoodeh

Institutions: University of Oslo, Hiroshima University, The University of Queensland, Qingdao City University, The University of Western Australia

Language: English

Topic: Environmental Impact and Sustainability

Subfield: Environmental Engineering

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Climate action, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,819