Assessing contractors’ practices in reducing embodied carbon in construction projects

Construction industry (CI) is one of the major contributors to carbon emissions (CE) globally, which have a significant impact on climate change. The majority of studies concentrate on reducing operational carbon (OC) during the design and operational phases, while insufficient emphasis is given to embodied carbon (EC) in the construction phase. Although some studies have investigated contractors' practices for mitigating EC, the identified practices were not comprehensive. A comprehensive list of 14 EC reduction practices has been identified in the literature. However, the extent to which these practices have been implemented in Malaysia's CI is unknown. The research objective of this paper is to i. identify the current practices of contractors in reducing EC in construction projects; ii. examine the challenges faced by contractors in implementing low EC practices and iii. propose strategies to increase the adoption of EC reduction practices. A qualitative research methodology is adopted where large-size contractor firms Grade 6 and 7 in Malaysia are interviewed. The research findings of this paper will provide valuable insights for contractors to adopt EC reduction practices within the CI. This research addresses a pivotal fundamental issue in comprehending how to advance in reducing EC in construction projects. The research findings can be utilised to enhance decision-making for effective governmental policy development in Malaysia.