Project 0: Methodology for Estimating Embodied Carbon through a Distributed Ledger Platform for Construction Supply Chains

PhD Candidate
 
Miss. Navodana Rodrigo
Chair SupervisorCo-SupervisorCo-Supervisor
Prof. Srinath PereraDr. Senpai SenaratneA/ Prof. Xiaohua Jin

Carbon emissions in buildings are classified into two main types; embodied carbon and operational carbon. Operational carbon refers to emissions which occur during the operational phase of a building. Embodied carbon is fuel related and process related carbon emitted during material extraction, transportation, manufacturing, distribution, construction, disposal and reuse. Creating zero carbon projects, where the operational carbon is reduced to zero, has become the latest trend which enables the possibility for embodied carbon to increase simultaneously. Therefore, in order to reduce overall emission levels, estimating and managing embodied carbon emissions in buildings is of paramount importance. Currently, there are several embodied carbon estimating databases, methods and tools available. However, the accuracy of these embodied carbon estimates developed using these secondary data sources is quite questionable. Hence, the study aims at developing an accurate methodology for estimating embodied carbon using the value chain concept and blockchain technology for construction supply chains.

Initially, a comprehensive literature review is carried out followed by conceptualising and testing an accurate method on estimating embodied carbon incorporating the value chain concept for construction supply chains. Selection of a case study on a land development project is used as the primary case study to estimate embodied carbon using the developed conceptual method of estimating embodied carbon. Later on, this EC estimate is compared with other estimates prepared using the existing databases, methods and tools. Subsequently, data modeling is carried out, which leads to development of the prototype blockchain system to estimate embodied carbon. Subsequently, the developed blockchain-based system is tested and validated through case studies and expert forum.

The ultimate research outcomes of the study are developing an accurate methodology to estimate embodied carbon in construction supply chains and a prototype blockchain system that estimates embodied carbon.

Industry Partners

  • Landcom and Clearstate are the data providers of this research project.

Publications

  • Perera, S., Nanayakkara, S., Rodrigo, M.N.N., Senaratne, S. & Weinand, R. (2020). Blockchain Technology for Construction: Is it Hype or Real? Journal of Industrial Information Integration. 17.
  • Rodrigo, M.N.N., Perera, S., Senaratne, S., & Jin, X. (2019). Embodied Carbon Mitigation Strategies in Construction Industry. In CIB World Building Congress 2019. Hong Kong SAR, China: CIB
  • Rodrigo, M.N.N., Perera, S., Senaratne, S., & Jin, X. (2019). Conceptual Model on Estimating Embodied Carbon in Construction Supply Chains using Value Chain and Blockchain. In AUBEA Conference 2019, Noosa, Australia: CQ University
  • Rodrigo, M.N.N., Perera, S., Senaratne, S., & Jin, X. (2018). Blockchain for Construction Supply Chains: A Literature Synthesis. In Proceedings of ICEC-PAQS Conference 2018. Sydney, Australia: ICEC and PAQS

Other Resources

  • Paino, J., Perera, S., Alashwal, A., & Rodrigo M.N.N. (2019). Impact of the Implementation of Fly-Ash in Concrete Production. In Proceedings of 8th World Construction Symposium - Towards a Smart, Sustainable and Resilient Built Environment. Sri Lanka: Ceylon Institute of Builders. doi: doi.org/10.31705/WCS.2019.37
  • Brown, L., Perera, S., & Rodrigo, M.N.N. (2018). Brownfield Redevelopment: A Dual Currency Analysis of Soil Stabilisation Methods. In Proceedings of 7th World Construction Symposium - Built Asset Sustainability: Rethinking Design, Construction and Operations. (pp. 116-125). Colombo, Sri Lanka: Ceylon Institute of Builders.