Carbon Footprint Evaluation of a Ready-Mixed Concrete Plant

Abstract

Rapid population growth and the vital needs of people are increasing day by day. One of these needs is nutrition, clothing, and shelter. As the housing needs of people increase, the construction and building sector is progressing in parallel with technological developments. Innovations related to the production of ready-mixed concrete and cement, which are indispensable building elements of the construction sector, make human life easier. These sectors should be evaluated in terms of greenhouse gas emissions and sustainable environment. Identifying, calculating, and reporting data in these sectors for carbon footprint calculation contribute to environmental issues and development for consumers and organizations. In this study, the carbon footprint of a ready-mixed concrete plant is calculated, and its environmental impacts and suggestions for reducing carbon emissions are given. It was found that the total carbon emission caused by consumption amounts was 1 038 396 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent. According to the results obtained in the carbon footprint in the greenhouse gas calculation, 98.383% of the total emission (1 021 604 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent) is carbon dioxide emission, 0.149% (1551 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent) is methane emission, and 1.468% (15 242 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent) is diazot monoxide emission.