Carbon footprints of construction industries: a global, supply chain-linked analysis

Abstract

The global construction industry is predicted to grow rapidly over the next decades by developing globalization, urbanization, and infrastructure renewal. Global Construction 2020 forecasts that China, USA, India, Japan, and Canada will have the most contribution to construction development. Sustainability analyses (analysis of environmental, economic, and social) of construction sectors are highlighted by increasing trend in this industry. In this study, we analyze environmental impact, particularly carbon footprints, of five leading construction markets using a global carbon footprint accounting tool based on the World Input-Output Database (WIOD). To this end, we examine direct and indirect carbon emissions within sector itself and at national and global scales employing scope-based carbon footprint, production-consumption based, and global impact distribution analyses. According to these analyses, we identified the notable hotspots where carbon reduction is required. This way, governments are able to manage and reduce carbon footprints on parts, which are increasingly important in the construction sector.