Development and Validation of a BIM-Based Carbon Footprint Calculation Model for Construction Materials

By combining advanced algorithms with data automation techniques, a Building Information Modeling (BIM)-based computational framework has been developed to calculate the life-cycle carbon footprint of building materials. This framework leverages the BIM platform to extract material attributes such as type, quantity, and geometry, and dynamically links to a centralized database of emission factors. Incorporating the principles of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), the model calculates carbon emissions across all life-cycle stages, including material manufacturing, transportation, construction, and end-of-life disposal. The model was validated on a residential building project with a total area of 5000 m2, estimating the total carbon footprint to be approximately 1800 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e). Results indicate that the method reduces manual processing time by more than 80% compared to traditional estimation methods, with an error rate of ±5%. Sensitivity analysis further demonstrated the robustness of the model, showing predictable and linear responses in emissions from high-volume materials like concrete when emission factors change. The integration of automation and real-time visualization within the BIM environment highlights the significance of this framework in advancing green building technologies. By offering an accurate and scalable solution for assessing the carbon footprint of construction projects, the framework supports the development of sustainable construction practices and provides critical technical support for achieving low-carbon and environmentally friendly building design and construction goals.