Preliminary Discussion on Carbon Emission Accounting Model of Highway Operation and Maintenance Periods

Abstract

Transportation is a critical support and guarantee for the national economy, social development, and people's living standards. Among the various modes of transportation, highway transport plays a major role. With the advancements in vehicle-road coordination technology and the increasing diversity of individual travel demands, highway transportation is gaining more attention. Therefore, understanding the proportion and characteristics of carbon emissions related to highway transportation in the broader context of human activities holds significant positive implications. Highways, particularly, account for an increasing proportion of road transport. The operation and maintenance of highways are crucial for ensuring the smooth functioning of the national economic arteries. Measuring and managing carbon emissions during the operation and maintenance period are essential for environmental protection and the sustainable development of highways. However, current research on carbon emissions in the transportation sector largely focuses on the construction phase of highways and vehicle emissions during road transport. There is a lack of research on the operation and maintenance phases of highways, especially concerning the analysis of carbon emission factors and the overall intensity measurement. This gap hinders managers from conducting targeted management based on scientific and sustainable development perspectives. This paper analyzes the different business boundaries involved in highway operation and maintenance, proposing a carbon emission accounting model with primary business indicators such as operation management, travel services, and maintenance. Secondary accounting indicators include fuel, electricity, materials, and gas. Based on this model, the paper integrates factors such as road (facility) lifespan, traffic efficiency correlation, and carbon emission proportion to propose a revised carbon emission management model under the highway operation and maintenance control mode. Finally, data from two highway projects in a southern province are used to apply and analyze the model, revealing the composition and intensity characteristics of carbon emissions during the highway operation and maintenance period. The study suggests directions for carbon emission management related to road lifespan and vehicle traffic efficiency. The results of this study provide valuable references for managing and controlling carbon emissions during the highway operation and maintenance period. They aid in making more scientific and targeted operation and maintenance decisions, promoting the sustainable development of highway operation management.