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The carbon footprint in construction transportation

The carbon footprint in construction transportation

Sustainable practices within the construction industry are becoming increasingly more important as time goes by. This comes as no surprise: the climate crisis has placed challenges that must be urgently addressed no matter what, and the construction industry is one of the most prominent agents in this matter, as it is responsible for 40% of the world’s carbon emissions. Nowadays there is much being said about sustainability in construction, with aspects such as energy efficiency, waste management and building’s repurposing as some of the most discussed alternatives. However, one of the most environmentally impacting steps in a building’s development process is transportation, and it’s crucial to acknowledge its extent. Here’s an outlook at the carbon footprint in construction transportation.

The environmental costs of construction are not easily calculated through a universal path.

It must incorporate several specificities that characterize each project. When we narrow it down to transportation, it’s still a complex issue that must be approached with care and detail. If the project is located in a zone where no materials are produced, the shipping of everything that is needed must be taken in consideration as part of the building’s environmental costs. This is why it’s important to fully plan ahead in order to raise awareness around the actual dimensions of the project.

Issues like fuel efficiency of trucks, number of trips, schedules, delays, the project’s size, and waste must be factored in to guarantee the most responsible decisions. If a project is developed in due time and form, there shouldn’t be much inconvenience for this to be calculated in the best possible way.

It’s important to be completely transparent and honest with these conclusions in order to be able to take more responsible and efficient decisions with every new project.
The correct calculation of each project’s environmental costs must be an unavoidable part of each process within the construction industry. It’s up to us to take steps towards a more responsible and sustainable practice. Tell us, which tools do you use for this purpose? Share your opinions with us! 

Fast Facts on Transportation Greenhouse Gas EmissionsCarbon Emissions Based on Transportation for Post-Tensioned Slab Foundation Construction: A Production Home Building Study in the Greater Phoenix Arizona Area, International Journal of Construction Education and Research
A Review of Carbon Footprint Reduction in Construction Industry, from Design to Operation, National Center for Biotechnology Information
Carbon Emissions Based on Transportation for Post-Tensioned Slab Foundation Construction: A Production Home Building Study in the Greater Phoenix Arizona Area, International Journal of Construction Education and Research

 

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