Carbon Footprint Estimation Tool for Transportation Construction Projects

Abstract

This paper proposes an emissions estimation tool, the carbon footprint estimation tool (CFET), for the estimation of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and other air pollutants from construction projects that are associated with roadways and other components of the transportation infrastructure. The tool takes a comprehensive approach to provide all-inclusive project-level emission estimates that incorporate effects from all stages of the construction project, including offsets generated by reforestation efforts, and accounts for recent and future GHG policies. The utility of such a comprehensive tool for estimating source category emissions is illustrated through a case study that involves the construction of the Intercounty Connector roadway in Maryland.