ANALYSIS OF THE CARBON FOOTPRINT OF COASTAL PROTECTION SYSTEMS

Abstract

When calculating the Carbon Footprint for a product or service, a direct link is made between the total amount of consumed energy and the produced amount of carbon dioxide during production. For that reason calculating the carbon footprint of various alternatives is a very straightforward method to compare energy consumption and more importantly environmental pollution. Applying this method to large hydraulic engineering projects is not being done frequently. In this study the possibilities to apply the Carbon Footprint method to coastal protection systems have been explored and analyzed. The analyses are based on a case study: A reinforcement work at the Dutch coast.