In the heart of Malaysia, a groundbreaking study is reshaping how we think about the environmental impact of residential buildings. Ting Chao Jien, a researcher from the Faculty of Engineering and Green Technology at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, has quantified the embodied carbon (EC) in a housing development project, offering a roadmap for more sustainable construction practices.
Embodied carbon refers to the greenhouse gases emitted during the manufacturing, transportation, and installation of building materials. Jien’s study, published in the journal “Civil and Environmental Engineering” (translated from its original name), focused on a residential project with a gross floor area of 92,903 m², providing a comprehensive understanding of the cradle-to-site phase of the building lifecycle.
The results were eye-opening. A single residential unit accounted for 68.60 tCO2e (0.738 tCO2e/m2). The primary culprits were steel (38.12%), bricks (15.26%), and concrete (14.16%). “These findings highlight the significant role that material choices play in the overall embodied carbon of a building,” Jien explained.
But the study didn’t stop at identifying the problem. It also offered a practical solution. By sourcing materials locally within a 200 km radius, the study found that material transportation emissions could be reduced by 11%. This is a game-changer for the construction industry, as it provides a clear, actionable step towards reducing carbon emissions.
The implications for the energy sector are profound. As the world grapples with climate change, the demand for sustainable construction practices is growing. This study provides a framework for Malaysian construction companies to initiate early-stage embodied carbon assessments, potentially advancing sustainable residential building practices.
Moreover, the study’s findings could influence policy decisions and incentivize the development of low-carbon materials. As Jien put it, “This is not just about reducing emissions. It’s about creating a sustainable future for our communities.”
The study’s proposed Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) framework offers a practical reference for construction companies, paving the way for more sustainable residential building practices. It’s a step forward in the fight against climate change, and a testament to the power of innovative research.
As the construction industry continues to evolve, studies like Jien’s will be instrumental in shaping future developments. They provide a roadmap for a more sustainable future, one building at a time.