CO ₂ e assessment of bridge repair procedures: Why and how

Abstract This paper presents experiences learned from CO 2 assessment of bridge repair procedures, why it is done and how it has been assessed in Finnish bridge projects. The EU is aiming for carbon neutrality in 2050 and to cut its emissions 55 % by 2030. Construction industry is carbon heavy, and therefore it is crucial that all fields inspect the possibilities of cutting down CO 2 emissions. Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency has published guidelines [1] that set boundaries to the assessment, so that comparison is possible. Certain clients in Finland are searching for major projects to act as an example and to tackle biggest impacts. A reference project was used for assessing the emissions. Smaller and more simple bridge repairs within the same project were assessed as a reference. By assessing emissions for each construction procedure, the most significant emission sources and therefore possibilities to cut emissions can be found. Biggest challenges faced were uncommon construction or repair phases that were hard to assess and nonexisting emission factors and/or Environmental Product Declarations for certain phases and products. The more accurate the assessment, the bigger the emissions tend to be.