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Research Theme: Green Building & Infrastructure

Methods and scholarship such as carbon sequestration and green infrastructure, in the built environment, at the scales of the building to the region

Embodied Carbon Toolkit for Roadway Infrastructure

Ashtiani, M, Lewis, M., Waldman, B., Simonen, K. (2024) Embodied Carbon Toolkit for Roadway Infrastructure. Carbon Leadership Forum.

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Abstract

The CLF Embodied Carbon Toolkit for Roadway Infrastructure is one of several CLF’s Toolkit series that serve as abstract references for practitioners, researchers, and policymakers that are collectively targeted at understanding, estimating, and reducing embodied carbon within the context of buildings and infrastructure. This Toolkit, with a focus on the embodied carbon from building the roadway infrastructure, presents an overview of embodied carbon concepts and accounting mechanisms and provides a summary of critical steps to be taken for reducing climate change impacts of roadways. The Toolkit, in three parts, is intended to guide transportation agencies and other related stakeholders into a decarbonized future by:
-Introducing embodied carbon and its major sources within the context of roadway infrastructure construction.
-Highlighting the significant role of the transportation infrastructure in contributing to climate change impacts.
-Providing a summary of standard methodologies in accounting for embodied carbon through life cycle assessment (LCA).
-Summarizing available tools to conduct LCA for roadway infrastructure as a whole and its constituent components.
-Proposing the most impactful current and future strategies in reducing embodied carbon from the roadway infrastructure.

Northeast U.S. & Canada Embodied Carbon Policy Case Studies

Kalsman, M., Lambert, M., Lewis, M., & Simonen, K. (2024). Northeast U.S. & Canada Embodied Carbon Policy Case Studies. Carbon Leadership Forum. https://doi.org/10.6069/Q8K9-ED23.

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Abstract

Policy is an essential step towards creating the scale of action required to rapidly reduce embodied carbon in construction. We have historically seen embodied carbon reporting primarily be of a voluntary nature. However, in the coming years we expect these policies to cover more projects, more materials and to become mandatory.

These nine policy case studies highlight only a small portion of embodied carbon policy action in the Northeast region of the U.S. and Canada. Looking forward, we expect to see the rapid proposal and adoption of policies across North America.

End of Life Modeling and Data in North American Whole Building Life Cycle Assessment Tools

Ashtiani, M., Palmeri, J., and Simonen, K. (2024). End of Life Modeling and Data in North American Whole Building Life Cycle Assessment Tools. Carbon Leadership Forum, University of Washington. Seattle, WA.

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Abstract

This document summarizes the Carbon Leadership Forum (CLF) research on end-of-life (EOL) modeling for a selection of building materials in whole building life cycle assessment (WBLCA) tools conducted as part of a larger project in collaboration with the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL), Building Transparency (BT), and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM). The overarching goals of the project are to:

Improve EOL modeling in WBLCA tools by exploring data gaps and current tool capabilities.
Explore opportunities for developing and testing an open-access EOL database. This can potentially enable WBLCA tools to draw from this database and better harmonize the modeling of EOL impacts.
The recommendations, limitations, and future research ideas are based on: 1) a review of EOL data and modeling functions for three North American WBLCA tools, 2) direct interviews with North American WBLCA tool providers, and 3) a survey and an online workshop with experienced WBLCA tool users.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory from Roadway Construction: Case Study for the Washington State Department of Transportation

Ashtiani, M. Z., Huang, M., Lewis, M. C., Palmeri, J., & Simonen, K. (2024). Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory from Roadway Construction: Case Study for the Washington State Department of Transportation. Transportation Research Record, 0(0). https://doi.org/10.1177/03611981241233278

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Abstract

Recent emphasis on actions to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions has pushed many state departments of transportation (DOTs) to develop carbon accounting practices compatible with their current standard data collection and storage guidelines. Once accurate and reliable accounting of GHG emissions is established, strategies can be formed that could help mitigate the adverse environmental impacts of materials used by state DOTs. To date, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) has not conducted comprehensive research on the embodied carbon within its construction material usage (i.e., upstream Scope 3 emissions inventory of procured materials) with most previous carbon accounting practices being focused on Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions (i.e., the carbon footprint of direct and indirect energy usage). This paper summarizes the results of a life cycle assessment on the agency-wide material procurements and construction operations that emit GHGs at WSDOT as a case study. This study uses several data sources from WSDOT in conjunction with publicly available life cycle emissions factor data to estimate GHG emissions attributed to the materials used to build and maintain roadways under WSDOT’s jurisdiction. Results indicate that upstream Scope 3 emissions for WSDOT as an agency is a significant contributor to its overall GHG emissions inventory. Specifically, between 2017 and 2022, this paper estimates an average annual upstream Scope 3 emissions of 310,000 metric tons of CO2 equivalents, which translates to 56% of the total annual GHG emissions including Scope 1 and 2 emissions.

A-state-of-the-art review of risk management process of green building projects

Wang, L., Chan, D. W. M., Darko, A., & Oluleye, B. I. (2024). A-state-of-the-art review of risk management process of green building projects. Journal of Building Engineering, 86. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2024.108738

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Abstract

Green buildings (GB) have attracted significant attention for improving sustainability and reducing carbon emissions in the building sector. Like traditional projects, risk management plays a crucial role in green projects. The inadequacy of risk management may lead to diminished workforce performance, delays in project schedules, and poor quality in GB projects. To comprehend risk management in GB projects, it is essential to conduct a state-of-the-art review. This study applied the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) method to select 52 records from the database ‘Scopus’ and ‘Web of Science’ (WoS). A bibliometric analysis indicated that the emphasis in risk management is on the identification and evaluation of risks in engineering projects. Subsequently, a thematic analysis displayed the research topics related to risk management, including (1) methods for identifying risks, (2) risk identification in special conditions, (3) risk assessment with fuzzy sets, social network analysis (SNA), and interpretive structural modeling (ISM), and (4) risk assessment with other technologies. This study focused on the research gaps within the risk management field, specifically in risk identification methods, risk evaluation methods, and risk-mitigating processes. Finally, with research gaps, this study also proposed related research directions for risk management in GB projects.

Life Cycle Lab

The Life Cycle Lab at UW’s College of Built Environments leads research to advance life cycle assessment (LCA) data, methods and approaches to enable optimization of materials, buildings and infrastructure.  Our  work is structured to inform impactful policies and practices that support global decarbonization efforts. We envision a transformed, decarbonized building industry – better buildings for a better planet.

Our group is led by Professor Kate Simonen. Since arriving at UW in 2009, she has conducted research and spearheaded initiatives focused on accelerating the transformation of the building sector to radically reduce the greenhouse gas emissions attributed to materials (also known as embodied carbon) used in buildings and infrastructure. From June 2010 until April 2024 she directed the Carbon Leadership Forum (CLF) as it was hosted in UW’s College of Built Environments. The core of CLF’s work has been to lay essential foundations for understanding embodied carbon: a framework for comprehensive strategy, rigorous analysis, and transparent reporting that can support design tools, effective policy, and collective action. 

In April 2024, two new entities were created to expand the program’s influence and impact: the Carbon Leadership Forum launched as an independent nonprofit organization and the newly named Life Cycle Lab was created to support the next generation of researchers and pursue critical embodied carbon research with an increased focus on academic publications. Learn more about this transition via this announcement.

Life Cycle Lab members include professional research staff, research assistants, students advised by Prof. Simonen, undergraduate interns and student assistants. Many of our members are formally affiliated with the Carbon Leadership Forum and the two organizations continue to actively collaborate developing strategies and executing aligned initiatives.

Projects associated with Life Cycle Lab include:

A Comparative Review of Polymer, Bacterial-based, and Alkali-Activated (also Geopolymer) Binders: Production, Mechanical, Durability, and Environmental impacts (life cycle assessment (LCA))

Nodehi, M., Aguayo, F., Madey, N., & Zhou, L. (2024). A Comparative Review of Polymer, Bacterial-based, and Alkali-Activated (also Geopolymer) Binders: Production, Mechanical, Durability, and Environmental impacts (life cycle assessment (LCA)). Construction & Building Materials, 422. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2024.135816
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Abstract

This review paper presents a comparative evaluation of polymer, bacterial-based, alkali-activated, and geopolymer binders in regard to their production methods, mechanical properties, their environmental/life cycle assessment (LCA), and durability when exposed to deteriorating cycles (such as sulfates, acids, and high temperatures). The significance of this study is to compare the results of over 400 journal papers, which present an in-depth analysis of fresh and hardened state properties of various binders that are advocated in the literature. Historically, Portland cement is generally considered a binder that plays a major role in any cementitious composites because of its high availability, and relatively inexpensive cost. Despite its significant benefits, it is known that the manufacturing process of Portland cement is energy and carbon intensive, and the resulted material often has shortcomings when exposed to deteriorating causes such as sulfates, acids, and high temperatures. However, recent movement toward net-zero as well as ultra-high-performance practices has increased the need for a more sustainable and durable binding system. Based on the result of this paper, each binder presents specific advantages when compared to Portland cement for specific applications that can be a better choice for their ultra-high capabilities and ecological properties. This includes the significantly better performance of alkali-activated binders (specifically geopolymers), under high temperatures, or very rapid strength gain of polymer (e.g., epoxy, polyester, and vinyl ester) binders, making them great alternatives to Portland cement, for rapid repair and rehabilitation purposes. Similarly, bacterial concrete also have certain capabilities such as long term durability and the potential for a continued self-repair or self-healing. In terms of environmental impacts, however, polymer binders are heavily depedant on their source of energy (e.g., petroleum vs. bio-based resins) while alkali-activated concretes and geopolymers have activators' large contributions to overall LCA impact categories. For bacterial binders, the used urea and nutrition can play a key role in their LCA results. Finally, based on the highlighted capabilities of each binder, recommendations on performance-based or hybrid design methods and specifications for an optimized system are also provided. Novel areas in polymer, bacterial-based, alkali-activated, and geopolymer binders are also included.

Keywords

Binding agents; Polymer concreteBacterial (or bio) concrete; Alkali-activated materials and geopolymer; Mechanical and durability properties

2024 CBE Inspire Fund Awardees Announced

The CBE Inspire Fund Awardees for the 2024 cycle have been selected! Their project names and team members are outlined below. Title: Mycelium Grow Lab for Student-led Research Team: Gundula Proksch (Associate Professor, Architecture), Tyler Sprague (Associate Professor, Architecture) Title: Exhibition of the works of OUR: Office of (Un)certainty Research Team: Vikram Prakash (Professor, Architecture) Title: Emergence, Resilience, and Future(s) of Urban Informality in Seattle Team: Julie Johnson (Associate Professor, Landscape Architecture), Manish Chalana (Associate Professor, Urban Design and Planning)…

Artificial Intelligence in Performance-Driven Design: Theories, Methods, and Tools

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Abstract

Artificial Intelligence in Performance-Driven Design: Theories, Methods, and Tools explores the application of artificial intelligence (AI), specifically machine learning (ML), for performance modeling within the built environment. This work establishes the theoretical foundations and methodological frameworks for utilizing AI/ML, with an emphasis on multi-scale modeling encompassing energy flows, environmental quality, and human systems.

The book examines relevant practices, case studies, and computational tools that harness AI's capabilities in modeling frameworks, enhancing the efficiency, accuracy, and integration of physics-based simulation, optimization, and automation processes. Furthermore, it highlights the integration of intelligent systems and digital twins throughout the lifecycle of the built environment, to enhance our understanding and management of these complex environments.

This book also:
• Incorporates emerging technologies into practical ideas to improve performance analysis and sustainable design
• Presents data-driven methodologies and technologies that seamlessly integrate into modeling and design platforms
• Shares valuable insights for developing decarbonization pathways in urban buildings
• Includes contributions from expert researchers and educators across a range of related fields

Artificial Intelligence in Performance-Driven Design is ideal for architects, engineers, planners, and researchers involved in sustainable design and the built environment. It’s also of interest to students of architecture, building science and technology, urban design and planning, environmental engineering, and computer science and engineering.

An Ontological Analysis for Comparison of the Concepts of Sustainable Building and Intelligent Building

Borhani, A., Borhani, A., Dossick, C. S., & Jupp, J. (2024). An Ontological Analysis for Comparison of the Concepts of Sustainable Building and Intelligent Building. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 150(4). https://doi.org/10.1061/JCEMD4.COENG-13711

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Abstract

The concept of intelligent building is emerging in the contemporary built environment. Intelligent buildings aim to leverage digital technologies and information throughout the building’s life cycle (design, construction, and operation phases) to improve the building’s performance and value. In recent years, academic scholars and industry practitioners have made efforts to articulate the intelligent building concept and identify its components. However, there is still no commonly accepted definition for the term intelligent (or smart) building. Furthermore, the term is used interchangeably with similar terms such as sustainable building and high-performance building. The primary gaps in research are the lack of a holistic and clearly defined list of intelligent building components. This gap limits building stakeholders’ abilities to decide which technologies to implement in their buildings, prove its capabilities and advantages, and improve its performance. In response to the identified gaps, this research conceptualizes intelligent building in comparison with the concept of sustainable building. We identified the key components that each concept entails and conducted a comparative analysis of the identified components. The findings of this research include a categorization of intelligent building’s definitions which helps to conceptualize intelligent building and distinguish it from other similar concepts. In addition, the research team used the developed ontologies for intelligent and sustainable buildings to provide a fundamental overview of the structure of building evaluation systems and their different approaches for determining evaluation criteria. Overall, this study contributes to the body of knowledge by identifying and classifying components of intelligent buildings, which is a prerequisite for intelligent buildings’ evaluation. It also makes a distinction between the concepts of intelligent building and sustainable building in order to determine their context and applications.