Defining Focus Areas for Digitization to Reduce Construction Industry Generated CO₂ Emissions

Abstract

The amount of greenhouse gas emissions generated by the construction industry is significant, therefore it should be addressed to protect our environment in the 21st century. The present research is the starting point for a more complex analysis in bioengineering science. It examines the possibilities of implementing digital technologies and the gains that their application can achieve. The research provides an overview of CO2 emissions from construction processes and identifies areas that may focus on future detailed analysis. The study consists of two main parts: a literature review and an interview with digitization experts focused on the issues identified. The present research guides future development focus areas comparing interviews by market and scientific studies. It is essential to determine how significant results can be achieved by using modern digital tools and methodologies. In this way, the extent to which they affect global emissions can be examined, and their impact can be quantified. In the research, the full spectrum of the construction industry was explored, hence we comprehensively analyzed the impact and problems of the processes belonging to each phase of the lifecycle. Although the environmental impact of raw material extraction and processing is significant, its techniques can be improved primarily through innovative solutions that require organizational or governmental intervention. By examining the building phase and post-building phases of the lifecycle, significant reductions in emissions can be achieved through more detailed design, optimized construction, and well-thought-out operation and demolition processes. As a result, immediate interventions are needed in existing methods and procedures. Sustainable construction can be supported by applying new, more accurate, innovative, and higher quality design, construction, operation, and demolition methods. These changes will facilitate the implementation of digitization processes in the construction industry at a higher level and prepare proposals for the solution of environmental problems in the construction industry.