Extensible carbon emission factor database: empirical study for the Chinese construction industry

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Civil Engineering
• Sustainable Construction

Background:

• Existing carbon emission factor (CEF) databases lack comprehensive data for complex construction resources.
• Accurate carbon emission calculation in construction necessitates a robust and extensible CEF database.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a method for establishing an extensible CEF database tailored for the construction industry.
• To address the deficiency of a detailed CEF database for China's construction sector.
• To facilitate the development of similar databases in developing nations.

Main Methods:

• A three-step method: data collection and parsing, data extension (supply chain and accounting perspectives), and data encoding/storage.
• Development of an extensible carbon emission factor database for the Chinese construction industry (CEFD for CCI).

Main Results:

• The CEFD for CCI database contains 646 CEFs across energy, human, material, machinery, and greenspace categories.
• The proposed method enables the expansion, encoding, and storage of new resources for improved computer accessibility.

Conclusions:

• The developed method provides a framework for creating expandable CEF databases, crucial for accurate carbon emission calculations in construction.
• The open-access CEFD for CCI supports carbon management and promotes sustainable practices in the Chinese construction industry.
• This approach is adaptable for developing and less developed countries seeking to enhance their carbon accounting capabilities.