Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from onsite mechanized construction

Onsite mechanization in construction is characterized by the application of plant,
equipment and machineries for carrying out complex construction activities. Although these mechanized equipment are considered essential for achieving high productivity, efficiency and quality of work. But nevertheless, they also impose serious threats to ecological system by emitting greenhouse gases (GHG) such as carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydro fluorocarbons, per-fluorocarbons and sulphur hexafluoride. The charter of Kyoto Protocol under the umbrella of United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) imposed binding restrictions on developed and industrialized countries to cut down the GHG emissions. This charter has identified several sources and industrial sectors that are potentially responsible for damaging the climate system through high carbon emissions. Keeping this in view, the Malaysian government has already started initiatives to develop measures against the climate change. The aim of this research endeavour is to explore awareness among Malaysian construction firms to reduce GHG emissions by taking effective measures. A feedback on a structured survey questionnaire was solicited from the construction firms to develop an action plan to reduce GHG emissions due to mechanized construction. The results of the survey reveal that GHG mapping during onsite construction activities is still in its infancy stages. The study has prioritized a number of strategies for the efficient use construction equipment in order to reduce the carbon footprints.