Assessing the Carbon Footprint and proposing net zero emissions in Urban Construction using BIM Tools

The construction industry significantly contributes to global carbon emissions, accounting for nearly 40% of energy-related CO₂ emissions. This study focuses on assessing the embodied carbon footprint of a 24-storey commercial high-rise in Ward R-North, Dahisar, Mumbai, using Building Information Modeling (BIM) through Autodesk Revit and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) via OpenLCA. Key construction materials analyzed include reinforcement steel, M50 and M70-grade ready-mix concrete (RMC), AAC blocks, shuttering plywood, wooden plates, and binding wires. The total embodied carbon emissions during the construction phase were estimated at 12,355.44 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent (tCO₂e), with steel and M50-grade concrete alone contributing over 85%. To mitigate emissions, the study proposed practical, eco-friendly alternatives such as recycled steel, green concrete using fly ash or GGBS, cellular lightweight concrete (CLC) blocks, FRP bars, reusable metal formwork, and bamboo or recycled plastic components. Implementing these substitutions led to a 26% reduction, lowering total emissions to 9,146.52 tCO₂e. The study emphasizes the transformative potential of BIM-LCA integration in supporting data-driven decisions for sustainable construction. By optimizing material selection and incorporating low-carbon strategies, the construction industry can align with global net-zero targets. This approach presents a replicable model for reducing emissions in future urban infrastructure projects in India.