Development of a blockchain-based embodied carbon estimator

Abstract

Purpose

Carbon management in the construction industry plays a vital role as carbon emissions have a significant impact on the environment. Current emphasis on reducing operational carbon through passive designs, zero carbon buildings and so forth has resulted in losing focus on embodied carbon (EC) reduction. Though there are various databases and tools to estimate EC in construction, these estimates are lacking in accuracy and consistency. A Blockchain-based Embodied Carbon (BEC) Estimator was developed as a solution to accurately estimate EC using a supply chain value addition concept as a methodology.

Design/methodology/approach

This study focused on developing, testing and validating the blockchain-based prototype system identified as BEC Estimator. The system was developed using Hyperledger Fabric following a waterfall model. Case studies and an expert forum were used to test and validate BEC Estimator.

Findings

The system architecture, development process and the user interface of BEC Estimator are presented in this paper. The comparative evaluation with existing EC databases/tools and the expert forum validated the functioning of BEC Estimator and proved it to be an accurate, secure and trustworthy EC estimating system. SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis identified the strengths and opportunities that will benefit the industry as well as the weaknesses and threats in the system that could be mitigated in future.

Originality/value

BEC Estimator accurately accounts for EC additions happening at each supply chain node for any product that gets incorporated in a building, thereby facilitating EC-related decision-making for all relevant stakeholders.

Citation

Rodrigo, N., Perera, S., Senaratne, S. and Jin, X. (2024), "Development of a blockchain-based embodied carbon estimator", Built Environment Project and Asset Management, Vol. 14 No. 6, pp. 914-936. https://doi.org/10.1108/BEPAM-11-2023-0199