Rodrigo, N; Perera, S; Senaratne, S and Jin, X (2024) Development of a blockchain-based embodied carbon estimator. Built Environment Project and Asset Management, 14(6), pp. 914-936. ISSN 2044-124X
Abstract
Purpose: Carbon management in the construction industry plays a vital role as carbon emissions have a significant impact on the environment. Current emphasis on reducing operational carbon through passive designs, zero carbon buildings and so forth has resulted in losing focus on embodied carbon (EC) reduction. Though there are various databases and tools to estimate EC in construction, these estimates are lacking in accuracy and consistency. A Blockchain-based Embodied Carbon (BEC) Estimator was developed as a solution to accurately estimate EC using a supply chain value addition concept as a methodology. Design/methodology/approach: This study focused on developing, testing and validating the blockchain-based prototype system identified as BEC Estimator. The system was developed using Hyperledger Fabric following a waterfall model. Case studies and an expert forum were used to test and validate BEC Estimator. Findings: The system architecture, development process and the user interface of BEC Estimator are presented in this paper. The comparative evaluation with existing EC databases/tools and the expert forum validated the functioning of BEC Estimator and proved it to be an accurate, secure and trustworthy EC estimating system. SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis identified the strengths and opportunities that will benefit the industry as well as the weaknesses and threats in the system that could be mitigated in future. Originality/value: BEC Estimator accurately accounts for EC additions happening at each supply chain node for any product that gets incorporated in a building, thereby facilitating EC-related decision-making for all relevant stakeholders.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | blockchain; supply chains; embodied carbon; embodied carbon estimating; prototype; value chain |
| Index terms: | embodied carbon, value chain, carbon emission, case study, embodied carbon estimating, zero carbon building, user interface, prototype, passive design, accuracy, database, system architecture, methodology, decision-making, estimator, estimate, testing, construction industry, operational carbon, estimating, blockchain |
| Subjects: | decision analysis, data management, industry analysis, human-computer interaction, research methods, value chain strategy, professional development, modelling and simulation, sustainability and energy, financial and cost management, professional practice, data collection methods, profession, design theory, climate science, computing systems, environmental impact |
| Topics: | Cost Management, Information Management, Engineering Principles, Research Practice, Risk Management, Roles and Professions, Sustainability, Digital Applications, Design Practice, Supply Chain Management |
| 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