Carbon Footprint Estimation of Highway Construction Materials

Abstract

In India, there is an ever-increasing demand for enhancing the road network to cater to the requirements of the growing population. Greenhouse gas emissions from the road construction and rehabilitation process have a massive impact on the environment and global warming. A suitable tool to calculate, monitor and mitigate such carbon emissions is yet to be made. The objective of this research study was to develop an Excel tool, specifically tailored for the Indian construction environment – ‘Carbon Footprint Estimation Tool for Highway Constructions’ to estimate the carbon equivalent emission from the material used in highway construction. This tool aids in monitoring and comparing carbon equivalent emissions from different materials of different layers for both rigid and flexible pavements.