Importance of Operational Efficiency to Achieve Energy Efficiency and Exhaust Emission Reduction of Construction Operations
Publication: Journal of Construction Engineering and Management
Volume 139, Issue 4
Abstract
Construction operations generate significant air pollutant emissions, including carbon emissions and diesel exhaust emissions. Controlling operational efficiency is the most important strategy for reducing air pollutants emitted from construction operations. However, current practices to assess air pollutant emissions from construction operations tend to ignore the variability of the operational efficiency that results from different resource allotting and scheduling. In this context, this paper presents a methodology for incorporating the analysis of operational efficiency into quantifying the amount of exhaust emission from construction operations. Case studies are presented to examine how and to what extent planning decisions affect the amount of air pollutants emitted from construction operations and to identify the impact that possible alternatives have on the schedule and cost of projects. The findings of case studies indicate that considering environmental aspects in the planning stage could contribute to a project’s increased integrated value, which includes schedule, cost, and environmental impact.
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Acknowledgments
The authors wish to acknowledge Dr. Feniosky Peña-Mora (Columbia University) for contributing greatly to this paper. They would also like to acknowledge the data collection support and help received from the Turner Construction Company, in particular, James Barret (national director, Integrated Building Solution), and the North American Construction Group, in particular, Warren Borysuk (general manager, Tailings & Environmental Construction Division). In addition, the authors appreciate contributions made by Dr. Simaan Abourizk, Stephen Hague, Wenjia Pan, Mehrdad Sharif (University of Alberta), and Dr. Julio Martinez (Purdue University).
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© 2013 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Oct 31, 2011
Accepted: May 17, 2012
Published online: May 22, 2012
Published in print: Apr 1, 2013
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