Achieving Carbon Neutral Construction: A Review of Viable Techniques

摘要

Construction project is one of the major human activities contributing to greenhouse gas emissions which lead to global warming. Methods for achieving carbon neutral typically include reducing, recycling and offsetting. Reduction techniques consist of using green building technology, energy efficient materials, renewable energy and passive design such as natural ventilation. Recycling techniques involve using recycled materials and recycling waste. Offsetting techniques refer to investing in carbon capturing methods such as planting trees and account for carbon emissions that cannot be eliminated through other means. While significant past research has explored a particular or some techniques to lower the carbon footprint of human activities, unavailable is a comprehensive review of techniques to reduce greenhouse gas emission in construction industry. This paper reviewed and analysed viable reducing, recycling and offsetting techniques that can be adopted by the responsible construction industry stakeholders striking for carbon neutral construction.