Integrated Framework for Optimizing Environmental Impact of Construction Activities in Cairo: A BIM, and LCA Approach

Abstract

The global movement towards sustainability and eco-conscious practices is driving efforts to address issues such as carbon emissions, landfill overflow, and resource depletion. With the construction sector being a significant contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, particularly in developing nations, there’s an urgent need to quantify and mitigate these emissions. This study introduces an innovative framework that integrates advanced methodologies, including building information modeling (BIM), life-cycle assessment (LCA), and the quantification of embodied emissions. The aim is to optimize various aspects of construction processes, such as design, material selection, operations, maintenance, and waste management. To demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach, a real-world case study is conducted in Cairo, Egypt. Firstly, a BIM model is created to represent the building, capturing its physical and functional attributes. Subsequently, a comprehensive LCA is performed to evaluate the environmental impacts across the building’s life cycle stages. Using mathematical analyses, embodied emissions associated with waste handling and transportation to disposal sites are calculated. Furthermore, targeted mitigation strategies are proposed and implemented. The case study results indicate significant reductions in GHG emissions across different phases of the building life cycle, with a 30% reduction during the materialization stage, 15% during the operational stage, and 14% during the end-of-life phase. This underscores the importance of proactively assessing and addressing environmental impacts associated with construction activities, offering opportunities for sustainable development in Cairo and beyond