BIM-based Automated System for Carbon Emissions and Construction Costs Estimation (BAS-CC) in Modular Design and Production

Modular construction adopts a manufacturing-like construction process, enhancing the management of embodied carbon emissions in production and construction phases. However, estimating these emissions presents challenges due to the involvement of diverse stakeholders across various lifecycle stages. Additionally, cost considerations often influence design choices and material selections in modular constructions, neglecting the impact of embodied carbon emissions. To address these challenges, we present a proof-of-concept for an automated Building Information Modeling (BIM)-based system to estimate both carbon emissions and construction costs. This system automates the calculation of embodied carbon and cost implications of different modular designs and materials, enabling informed decision-making. By integrating Social Carbon Costs and carbon taxes, it assigns a monetary value to carbon emissions, aligning sustainability with economic feasibility. This developed system promotes sustainable construction practices within the modular construction industry by providing a data-driven framework, ultimately empowering stakeholders to make more environmentally responsible and economically sound decisions.