In a recent review published in the journal Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy, researchers presented a framework that integrates policy analysis, organizational practices, and technological advancements to support the adoption of low-carbon practices in the construction sector. By synthesizing findings from existing literature and empirical data from expert interviews, the study offers a practical roadmap for industry stakeholders, policymakers, and researchers.
Study: Paving the way for lowering embodied carbon emissions in the building and construction sector. Image Credit: chayanuphol/Shutterstock.com
Study Overview: Paving the Way for Lowering Embodied Carbon Emissions
The construction sector is a major contributor to global carbon emissions, particularly through embodied carbon (EC)—the greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the production of building materials and construction processes. As nations work to meet climate goals, including net-zero emissions by 2050, developing effective strategies to reduce EC is essential for the construction industry.
This literature review reveals a complex landscape of barriers that hinder the implementation of EC reduction strategies in the construction sector, including organizational resistance, financial constraints, regulatory hurdles, and a lack of effective frameworks for assessing and managing EC. The Australian context is also highlighted, given the country's commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050, which necessitates immediate action within the construction industry.
Methodology
The researchers used a multi-stage method, combining a systematic literature review with qualitative data collection through expert interviews. Initially, peer-reviewed articles were reviewed using databases such as Scopus and Web of Science to identify barriers and strategies for EC reduction. The literature review focused on articles published after 2004 to ensure the relevance of the information gathered, resulting in a selection of key studies that provide insights into the challenges and opportunities for EC reduction.
Following the literature review, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 experts in the field, selected through a snowball sampling method. This approach allowed the researchers to gather in-depth qualitative data from professionals with substantial experience in construction and sustainability.
The interviews were structured into four main sections: assessing participants' knowledge and expertise, discussing the current state of EC reduction, identifying barriers, and exploring potential strategies for overcoming these barriers. The data collected from the interviews were analyzed using content analysis, employing both deductive and inductive coding methods to categorize the findings and identify recurring themes and patterns.
Results and Discussion
The analysis identified four primary barriers to implementing EC reduction strategies: organizational resistance, financial constraints, regulatory and policy challenges, and methodological issues related to data availability.
Resistance to change and limited awareness of the importance of EC reduction were prominent issues. Many organizations lacked the internal motivation or knowledge necessary to prioritize carbon reduction efforts, highlighting the need for awareness campaigns and leadership initiatives.
The perceived high costs associated with implementing low-carbon practices often deterred stakeholders. The research found that the lack of financial incentives or funding mechanisms made it difficult for organizations to justify the initial investment in sustainable materials and practices, despite long-term benefits.
Insufficient policies and a lack of comprehensive frameworks to support EC reduction initiatives were also significant barriers. The regulatory landscape was found to be fragmented, with inconsistent requirements across regions, making it challenging for organizations to develop coherent strategies.
Effective EC assessment was hindered by limited data availability and inconsistent methodologies for calculating embodied carbon. The lack of standardized tools and processes for data collection made it difficult for stakeholders to accurately assess and manage EC across projects.
To address these barriers, the study proposed six key strategies:
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Integrating Carbon Reduction Targets into Organizational Policies: Embedding EC reduction targets within corporate strategies and operational policies to ensure commitment from top management.
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Implementing Supportive Regulations: Advocating for stronger regulatory frameworks and government incentives to make low-carbon practices more financially viable for stakeholders.
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Leveraging Digital Technologies: Utilizing digital tools, such as Building Information Modeling (BIM), to improve EC assessment and facilitate better decision-making throughout the project lifecycle.
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Fostering Cross-Disciplinary Coordination: Encouraging collaboration between architects, engineers, contractors, and policymakers to ensure that EC reduction is considered at every stage of the construction process.
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Building Capacity and Capability: Investing in training programs to enhance the skills and knowledge of industry professionals regarding sustainable construction practices and EC reduction techniques.
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Encouraging Research and Development: Promoting innovation through research and development initiatives that explore new materials, technologies, and construction methods aimed at reducing EC.
The framework developed in this research integrates these strategies with the identified barriers, providing a structured approach for stakeholders to navigate the complexities of EC reduction. The findings emphasize that collaboration among various stakeholders, including government agencies, industry leaders, and researchers, is crucial to creating an environment conducive to the successful implementation of EC reduction measures.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this research presents a comprehensive framework for reducing embodied carbon emissions in the construction sector by addressing key barriers and offering actionable strategies. Integrating policy analysis, organizational practices, and technological advancements provides a solid foundation for adopting low-carbon practices.
Collaboration and innovation are essential for overcoming the challenges associated with EC reduction, enabling the construction industry to meet climate goals and contribute to a sustainable, low-carbon economy. Future research should continue to build on these findings, focusing on refining strategies and exploring new avenues for collaboration to ensure the successful implementation of EC reduction initiatives.
Journal Reference
Amarasinghe I., Liu T., et al. (2024). Paving the way for lowering embodied carbon emissions in the building and construction sector. Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy. DOI: 10.1007/s10098-024-03023-6, https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10098-024-03023-6