Case Study-Based Assessment of Carbon Footprint Reduction in Construction Materials Using BIM-Integrated LCA and Sensitivity Analysis

Abstract

Achieving net-zero emissions is a fundamental goal for environmental sustainability and the transition to a circular economy. The construction and mining sectors contribute approximately one-third of global emissions, emphasizing the urgency of adopting effective mitigation strategies. Reducing the carbon footprint and CO₂ emissions in these industries is a critical challenge for promoting sustainable development and optimizing material usage. This study aims to quantify the carbon footprint of major building materials, specifically concrete, steel, and wood, assess potential CO₂ emission reductions, and evaluate their environmental impact. The research integrates Building Information Modeling (BIM), Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), and Sensitivity Analysis (SA) to establish environmental impact benchmarks. A case study approach was employed to analyse the carbon footprint of construction materials. The study utilized LCA to assess the embodied carbon at various life cycle stages (A1 to A3), identifying key contributors to global warming potential, acidification, eutrophication, and ozone depletion. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to evaluate the influence of material selection on overall emissions, while BIM integration facilitated a comprehensive visualization of the environmental impact. The analysis revealed that the embodied carbon from LCA stages A1 to A3 represents the primary contributor to environmental degradation. The study demonstrated a reduction in material-related carbon emissions from 662 kg CO₂e/m² to 506.8 kg CO₂e/m². Additionally, the global warming impact of building materials decreased from 10.57 kg CO₂e/m²/year to 8.45 kg CO₂e/m²/year. The results confirm that material type and quantity selected during the production stage significantly influence the overall embodied carbon. The findings of this study support sustainable decision-making in the construction industry by promoting material substitution strategies that replace high-emission components with low-carbon alternatives. The integration of BIM, LCA, and SA provides a robust framework for reducing environmental impact while fostering the reuse and recycling of construction materials. These insights contribute to advancing circular economy principles in the built environment. The above-mentioned analyses will be related to the possibilities of adapting the material mining heritage for new functions instead of constructing new buildings.