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Methodology for calculating the carbon footprint of underground utility projects
The utilization of traditional open-cut methods for the installation of underground utilities has been common practice in the construction industry for many years. Today, engineers are being tasked with the requirement of selecting a suitable construction method that not only offers the most economical solution, but also minimizes impact to the environment. Trenchless construction methods offer such solutions for installing new utilities and rehabilitating existing infrastructure. The use of multiple construction equipment during open-cut construction invariably results in considerably more emitted emissions into the atmosphere compared to employing trenchless methods, which have minimal on-site equipment requirements. Pollutants such as carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxide (NOX), total organic compounds (TOC), and sulfur oxide (SOX) are identified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) as being emitted from equipment engines. A methodology for calculating emitted emissions for underground utility construction was presented in this paper. An emissions calculator tool, eCalc, was developed to provide the means for comparing two competing utility installation methods. The tool has default equipment for four different utility construction methods and can be tailored to meet individual project characteristics. A case study of a wastewater infrastructure project in Los Lunas, New Mexico comparing the impact of emissions from traditional open cut construction to trenchless pipe replacement (or pipe bursting) was presented. The results revealed that emissions generated from open cut were approximately 79% greater than those from the pipe bursting option. This is a result of the increased productivity and reduced equipment requirements offered by the trenchless option. It is envisioned that quantification of emission data will be a factor in deciding between construction methods on future projects in addition to cost given current environmental sensitivity. It is recommended that the emissions calculator tool, eCalc, be used on future utility construction projects to further gather information comparing the generated emissions of various construction technology options. This could aid in setting target acceptable emission levels for specific projects. To date, eCalc has been used on twelve projects and four different utility construction methods.
Methodology for calculating the carbon footprint of underground utility projects
The utilization of traditional open-cut methods for the installation of underground utilities has been common practice in the construction industry for many years. Today, engineers are being tasked with the requirement of selecting a suitable construction method that not only offers the most economical solution, but also minimizes impact to the environment. Trenchless construction methods offer such solutions for installing new utilities and rehabilitating existing infrastructure. The use of multiple construction equipment during open-cut construction invariably results in considerably more emitted emissions into the atmosphere compared to employing trenchless methods, which have minimal on-site equipment requirements. Pollutants such as carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxide (NOX), total organic compounds (TOC), and sulfur oxide (SOX) are identified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) as being emitted from equipment engines. A methodology for calculating emitted emissions for underground utility construction was presented in this paper. An emissions calculator tool, eCalc, was developed to provide the means for comparing two competing utility installation methods. The tool has default equipment for four different utility construction methods and can be tailored to meet individual project characteristics. A case study of a wastewater infrastructure project in Los Lunas, New Mexico comparing the impact of emissions from traditional open cut construction to trenchless pipe replacement (or pipe bursting) was presented. The results revealed that emissions generated from open cut were approximately 79% greater than those from the pipe bursting option. This is a result of the increased productivity and reduced equipment requirements offered by the trenchless option. It is envisioned that quantification of emission data will be a factor in deciding between construction methods on future projects in addition to cost given current environmental sensitivity. It is recommended that the emissions calculator tool, eCalc, be used on future utility construction projects to further gather information comparing the generated emissions of various construction technology options. This could aid in setting target acceptable emission levels for specific projects. To date, eCalc has been used on twelve projects and four different utility construction methods.
Methodology for calculating the carbon footprint of underground utility projects
Ariaratnam, Samuel T. (author) / Sihabbudin, Shaik (author) / Savage, Ed (author)
2009
10 Seiten, 2 Bilder, 2 Tabellen, 9 Quellen
Conference paper
English
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