Quantifying the embodied carbon of a low energy alternative method of construction (AMC) house in Nigeria

Abstract

CO2 is a chemical compound in the process of climate change and the main cause of global warming. Efforts at arresting global warming, is to achieve the goal of carbon reduction or elimination. Greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions are a global issue dominated by emission of CO2. Residential buildings contribute to climate change through carbon emission to the environment in the building procurement process and utilization. The present study is aimed at allowing for required support to the decision-making process of residential building design and construction. To this goal, the study assesses the Embodied Carbon (EC) of Whole Process of Construction (WPC) for the building. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) framework approach to a Low Income House (LIH) was adopted using process-based analysis method and Bath Inventory of Carbon and Energy (ICE). The findings reveal that the EC for the Alternative Method of Construction (AMC) stabilize clay block house is 16,175.67 kgCO2 (234.43 kg/m2). Even though, these findings cannot be generalized, but shows the significance of considering EC in making alternative choice for use in different building projects. Decarbonize schemes should be directed at the buildings' EC emissions. The best answer will be accomplished if the decarbonize attempts are aggregated with the prosperous and natural carbon sinks that exist in the context of this study.