Sharrard, A L (2007) Greening construction processes using an input-output-based hybrid life cycle assessment method. PhD thesis, Carnegie Mellon University, USA.
Abstract
This research uses a life cycle assessment (LCA) framework to create a more specific and accurate estimate of the environmental impacts of construction processes. The construction industry is spatially and economically diverse, yet fragmented because of it depends on various specialized contractors, is always changing, and is occurring everywhere. Because the construction industry is so complex, modeling construction processes is required in order to better understand the specific environmental implications of these activities; this goal would be best achieved with the process LCA approach, though process LCAs are data intensive and time consuming given the unique nature of every construction project. Conversely, the input-output (I-O) LCA approach allows for a more inclusive view of the construction industry (i.e. , on-site construction activities and its supply chain), which can be used to identify processes of principal concern. A combination of both approaches allows capitalization on each method's strengths. Consequently, a hybrid LCA framework produces a comprehensive analysis that includes the economy-wide effects of construction while addressing on-site construction activities. The I-O-based hybrid LCA framework selected for this research is based on Carnegie Mellon University's (CMU) Economic Input-Output Life Cycle Assessment (EIO-LCA) modeling tool. The I-O-based hybrid model was created by combining a new "Hybrid" feature that uses the EIO-LCA interface with updated and reformulated environmental effect vectors for EIO-LCA's thirteen construction sectors. The final stage of this research models a variety of construction case studies on the I-O-based hybrid LCA framework; these case studies demonstrate the model's broad applicability and which environmental impact categories significantly increased with the hybrid framework (e.g., gasoline, particulate matter, and global warming potential). The I-O-based hybrid LCA model for construction is intended to help decision-makers make more informed decisions regarding the construction industry, adding environmental quality and sustainable development as goals instead of unintentional benefits. The model's focus on construction site and supply chain activities helps identify improvement opportunities that may otherwise be missed; it also provides a holistic assessment that identifies priority areas for future research regarding construction's environmental impacts.
| Item Type: | Thesis (Doctoral) |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | construction sector; case studies; construction project; construction site; environmental impact; life cycle; sustainable development |
| Index terms: | construction industry, estimate, modelling, environmental effect, environmental quality, construction activity, life cycle, case study, construction sector, construction process, construction project, environmental impact, sustainable development, life cycle assessment, construction site, particulate, global warming, greening |
| Subjects: | work location, financial and cost management, analytical methods, construction operations, data collection methods, value management, climate science, environmental impact, building construction, environmental health, industry analysis, sustainability assessment, sustainable design, health safety and environment, production management |
| Topics: | Site Management, Research Practice, Cost Management, Engineering Principles, Project Management, Health and Safety, Sustainability |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTE |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here