Project data responsibilities for carbon assessment in Sri Lankan construction industry

Abstract

The construction industry is a significant contributor to global greenhouse gas emissions, driven by both embodied and operational carbon emissions. In Sri Lanka, the lack of a national standard and limited availability of local data have constrained effective carbon measurement and reduction. This study explores stakeholder data responsibilities in carbon assessment, focusing on the Sri Lankan construction sector. Drawing on semi-structured interviews with 18 experts, the research identifies the process-based Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method as the most appropriate for project-level carbon quantification. In contrast, the input-output method is recognised as a practical alternative in data-scarce situations. The study highlights the importance of stakeholder engagement across life cycle stages, with clients responsible for setting sustainability goals, consultants for conducting carbon calculations, contractors for collecting project data, and government bodies for establishing regulatory guidance. Key data types and stakeholder contributions are identified across construction stages, offering insights to enhance the accuracy and credibility of carbon assessments. The findings offer practical recommendations to promote more sustainable practices and enhance carbon accountability in Sri Lanka’s construction industry.