A TOOL FOR QUANTIFYING THE CARBON FOOTPRINT OF CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS IN THE TRANSPORTATION SECTOR

Abstract

The U.S. construction industry ranks third in the nation in its production of carbon dioxide emissions. Increasing global pressure towards developing emissions reduction strategies is bound to affect the construction industry. The objective of this thesis was to develop a tool to estimate the carbon footprint of construction projects associated with transportation infrastructure. The tool determines emissions from an inventory of equipment, construction processes, and credits efforts to reduce emissions, while incorporating recent and future greenhouse gas (GHG) policies on quantifying emissions. This tool will enable construction companies to identify sources and reduce emissions, while also allowing state agencies to monitor these companies in accordance with GHG laws. The tool was applied to data associated with the construction of the Intercounty Connector, a new roadway that will connect counties in Maryland. Application of the tool to this case study showed its utility and highlighted the need for reduction strategies.