Transport Services Division
ENVIRONMENT
Standards & Guidelines
Greenhouse Gas Accounting Tool for Construction
Guideline
ONLY TO BE USED FOR DPTI RAIL PROJECTS.
Any DPTI road project construction greenhouse gas assessments are to be undertaken
using Carbon Gauge Knet #6018154 and the Greenhouse Gas Assessment Workbook
for Road Projects Knet #5767410.
Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure
Greenhouse Gas Accounting Tool for Construction Guidelines
First published: 2012
Version: 1.0
Copyright Department of Planning Transport and Infrastructure
77 Grenfell Street Adelaide, SA 5000
The guidelines were developed by the Environmental Group, Projects Directorate, Transport Services Division with
the assistance of Parsons Brinkerhoff, Sempac Pty Ltd and Costplan Pty Ltd. It has been approved and authorised
for use by Departmental staff and its authorised agents by:
Director, Projects
/
/2012
Extracts may be reproduced providing the subject is kept in context and the source is acknowledged. Every effort
has been made to supply complete and accurate information. This document is subject to continual revision and may
change. To ensure you have the most up-to-date version of this document refer to
http://cms.dtei.sa.gov.au/enviro_services/standards,_guidelines,_procedures
For information regarding the interpretation of this document contact:
Environmental Systems Unit, Projects Directorate
Telephone: (08) 8343 2686
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Table of Contents
1
Introduction ............................................................................................................... 1
2
Using the GGAT ........................................................................................................ 2
3
4
2.1
When should a Greenhouse Gas Assessment be undertaken? ......................... 2
2.2
Responsibilities .................................................................................................. 2
2.3
GGAT description and usage ............................................................................. 3
2.4
Secondary input worksheet ................................................................................ 5
Technical notes ......................................................................................................... 8
3.1
Greenhouse Gas Emissions – data entry and calculations ................................ 8
3.2
Project emissions contingency ........................................................................... 9
3.3
GGAT administration and changes..................................................................... 9
References.............................................................................................................. 10
4.1
General references ........................................................................................... 10
Appendix A: Greenhouse Gas Emissions factor references .......................................... 11
Appendix B: Case Studies ............................................................................................. 14
Case Study 1: Port Wakefield Road Reconstruction .................................................. 14
Case Study 2: Typical rural passing lane ................................................................... 14
Case Study 3: Glenelg Tram Overpass ..................................................................... 15
Appendix C: Emission Factors and Embodied Energy .................................................. 16
Greenhouse gas emissions........................................................................................ 16
South Australian emission factors .............................................................................. 18
Embodied energy ....................................................................................................... 18
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Glossary
Administrator
DPTI Environmental Systems Unit. The group responsible for the
maintenance, issue and version control of the GGAT software.
Carbon Dioxide
Equivalent (CO2-e)
The mass of a greenhouse gas that is emitted is multiplied
by its global warming potential to convert greenhouse gas
emissions to an equivalent quantity of CO2 emissions, referred to
as the carbon dioxide equivalent.
Carbon Gauge
Transport Authorities Greenhouse Group national construction
greenhouse assessment tool. Anticipated to be released in late
2012. Once complete, this tool will replace the GGAT in future
assessments.
Construction
Construction is considered to be the time between obtaining
development approvals and funding, and handing over the asset
to the region operator and maintainer.
Conversion factor
A numerical value to enable conversion from one unit of measure
to another.
Design
Design is considered to be the time between conceiving the road
project and obtaining development approvals and funding.
Greenhouse Gasses
Greenhouse gasses that reduce the loss of heat from the earth’s
atmosphere by absorbing infra red radiation. Six greenhouse
gasses are regulated by the Kyoto Protocol; Carbon dioxide
(CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous oxide (N2O), Hydrofluorocarbons
(HFCs), Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6).
The emissions of greenhouse gases are reported in carbon
dioxide equivalents (see above).
Greenhouse Assessor
The authorised party identified and engaged by DPTI to conduct
the greenhouse gas assessment using the GGAT.
GGAT
Greenhouse Gas Assessment Tool. A Microsoft Excel software
application which is applied to a transport infrastructure
construction project cost estimate in order to calculate the
greenhouse gas emissions associated with that project.
GESQF
Greenhouse Emission Source Quantity Factor. Factors developed
to convert project cost estimate line item quantities into
greenhouse emissions source quantities.
Project Manager
The person given the authority and responsibility to manage the
project on a day to day basis to deliver the required products
within agreed constraints.
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1
Introduction
The Department for Planning, Transport and Infrastructure’s (DPTI) charter is to provide safe,
effective and efficient planning, transport and infrastructure networks, supporting the interests of
all South Australians. Road and rail infrastructure are an essential component of the transport
network, essential for the movement of people and goods to satisfy the social and economic
needs of the state.
Transport infrastructure does however generate greenhouse emissions. These emissions are
associated with the planning, construction and operation infrastructure projects and contribute
greenhouse gases towards the global enhanced greenhouse effect.
DPTI currently undertakes statutory reporting on greenhouse gas emissions from the operation
and management of buildings as a requirement of the South Australian Government Energy
Efficiency Action Plan. State Government agencies must also contribute to targets and priorities
identified in the South Australian Strategic Plan and Tackling Climate Change: South Australia’s
Greenhouse Strategy 2007-2020.
In recent years interest in minimising the greenhouse gas emissions associated with transport
infrastructure has increased. To better understand and quantify these emissions DPTI has
developed the Greenhouse Gas Accounting Tool (GGAT) for construction.
The GGAT enables project teams to quantify greenhouse gas emissions generated by transport
infrastructure projects during the planning and construction phase. This then assists project
managers and contractors select less greenhouse-intensive materials and construction
practices, and assist monitoring DPTI’s commitment to reducing emissions.
The GGAT is implemented during DPTI’s planning, design and environmental impact
assessment phase for major infrastructure projects and is linked to the construction cost
estimating process. It is anticipated that the inclusion of this tool will encourage the
consideration of alternative materials and processes with low embodied energy, bringing about
a reduction in the carbon footprint of major transport infrastructure projects and fostering a
departmental change towards greener design and construction.
The purpose of this document is to provide a guide on how and when to use the GGAT.
Note: Whilst DPTI has prepared a GGAT for construction in South Australia, road and
infrastructure agencies interstate have also prepared their own assessment tools. To work
towards a consistent approach to undertake assessments the Transport Authorities
Greenhouse Group (TTAG) was convened. In 2011 the group prepared a national GGAT titled
‘”Carbon Gauge’’. It is anticipated the final version will be released in late 2012, and once
released it will replace DPTI’s existing GGAT which is referenced in this document.
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2
Using the GGAT
2.1 When should a Greenhouse Gas Assessment be undertaken?
The GGAT is to be used on larger transport infrastructure projects where due to size and
scope there are opportunities to account for inputs and reduce emissions generated. It is
not required for all DPTI projects involving construction.
A Greenhouse Gas Assessment is required when a project meets any of the following:


Project requires referral to the Public Works Committee and has a budget >$40m;
Project requires a submission to Cabinet.
2.1.1 At what stage of the Project?
Preliminary assessments may be conducted during project planning and concept
design. However, a meaningful assessment of greenhouse gas emissions can
only be undertaken once the project has reached the detailed design stage. Within
the cost estimating process, Formal Estimate 5 is the level at which sufficiently
detailed information first becomes available. Formal Estimate 6 generally
comprises a reasonably complete schedule of items and quantities.
2.2 Responsibilities
The GGAT is based on DPTI’s construction cost estimating tool and functions in a similar
way. As such, the project greenhouse gas assessment should be delivered collaboratively
by members of the project team including the Cost Estimator, Planning and Design
Officers and the Environment Officer.
Planning and Design Officers should supply the Cost Estimator with an up to date
estimate of source material quantities for input into the GGAT, and should provide revised
quantity estimates as they become available. Once the assessment has been completed,
the project team should work with the project Environment Officer to review the
assessment output and identify opportunities to reduce project greenhouse gas emissions,
for example:
 through substitution of alternative materials (such as recycled aggregates, recycled
plastic stormwater pipes, asphalt footpaths instead of concrete, green-power in site
offices etc);
 through substitution of alternative processes (such as using warm asphalt, smaller
plant);
 through changes to the design (eg minimising vegetation clearance, minimising cut
and fill, designing structures to reduce the volume of concrete and steel)
The project Cost Estimator is responsible for inputting the source material quantities into
the GGAT and producing the assessment summary. These quantities should be taken
directly from the Cost Estimate, or provided by the Planning and Design team.
Environment Officers should liaise with the project team to ensure that the GGAT
process is being followed and to provide assistance in completing the process.
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Following completion of the assessment, the project team should analyse the results and
identify opportunities to reduce project greenhouse gas emissions through amendments
to the design, materials used or construction methodology.
Where alternative materials and processes are identified as being suitable for inclusion
within the project, both the greenhouse gas assessment and cost estimation process
should be repeated to produce comparative results.
2.3
GGAT description and usage
The GGAT is designed to allow an assessment of greenhouse emissions to be conducted
utilising data taken from the project cost estimate or if needed, greenhouse gas emissions
can be estimated based on first principles. This allows the GGAT to be applied both at the
planning stage of a project to provide a greenhouse estimate, and also upon completion of
a project to provide a more accurate and complete greenhouse assessment.
The GGAT has been developed as a Microsoft Excel based software application
comprising of a number of worksheets. These worksheets and their functionality are
described in the following sections.
2.3.1
Welcome worksheet
Upon opening the GGAT application, the user will observe the Welcome worksheet
(Figure 2.1). This worksheet provides input fields to record the following
information:






2.3.2
Project Name
DPTI Project number
Greenhouse assessor contact details
Cost estimate / option number
Cost estimate revision number; and
Cost estimate date.
About GGAT worksheet
The About GGAT worksheet provides the user with simple instructions regarding
the GGAT application’s origin, use and limitations. These instructions are intended
to guide the user, prior to undertaking a greenhouse gas assessment using the
GGAT.
2.3.3
Estimator input worksheet
The GGAT has been developed to consider all major line cost estimate items
included in a transport infrastructure construction project. A cost estimate summary
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FIGURE 2.1
Welcome worksheet
template is provided as the Estimator input worksheet within the GGAT, in which
the cost estimator can easily transfer item quantities directly from the project cost
estimate.
Fuel (diesel), concrete, steel, bitumen, electricity, waste to landfill and vegetation
clearance have been identified as the major greenhouse gas contributors from a
construction project.
Cost estimating first principles have been applied, together with the use of expert
estimator software and DPTI cost estimators’ personal experiences to develop
Greenhouse Emission Source Quantity Factors (GESQF) for the cost estimate line
items.
An example of a cost estimate line item and its associated GESQF’s is shown in
Figure 2.2.
Once the Cost Estimator enters the quantities, these values are multiplied by the
GESQF’s to calculate the total quantity of greenhouse emission source (diesel,
concrete, etc). The total quantities are summed together for each emission source.
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FIGURE 2.2
Estimator input worksheet
The Estimator input worksheet also provides input fields for the Cost Estimator to
enter a percentage contingency to account for cost estimate line items considered
to be minor in the overall scope of the project and its associated greenhouse
emissions. There is a default value for this field which may be altered by the cost
estimator if they see fit due to the nature of the project.
Additionally, there is also an input field for the overall project contingency. The
project cost estimate contingency varies depending upon the level of detail of the
estimate. The same contingency should be applied to the greenhouse assessment
in order to reflect the level of detail and accuracy of the estimate.
General usage instructions
The Estimator Input worksheet allows the Assessor to enter the quantity of material
and other resources associated with cost estimation of a project. The input fields
are as follows:
1.
Cells (without a background colour) under the “Quantity” column.
2.
Pre-DPTI acceptance, the coefficient values (cells without a background
colour) may also be modified. Post-DPTI acceptance, these cells will be
locked from editing.
3.
Under the “Minor items not considered” heading, the percentage in blue text
can be modified with the Assessors discretion.
4.
Under the “Project Contingency” heading, the percentage of contingency can
be modified with the Assessors discretion.
2.4 Secondary input worksheet
The GGAT is designed to allow a GHG assessment to be conducted utilising data taken
solely and directly from the project cost estimate; a combination of data from the project
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cost estimate and other sources; or data from a source not related to the project cost
estimate.
The Secondary input worksheet facilitates the latter two options. This worksheet provides
input fields for stationary energy, transport fuel, materials, vegetation clearance and
waste. These fields can be populated to account for emission sources not accounted for
within the Estimators input worksheet.
FIGURE 2.3
Secondary input worksheet
General usage instructions
The Secondary input worksheet provides the Assessor with additional input to the
Estimator input worksheet when conducting a greenhouse gas assessment. The input
fields are as follows:
1. Cells (without a background colour) under the “Quantity” column.
2. Pre-DPTI acceptance, the coefficient values (cells without a background colour) may
also be modified. Post-DPTI acceptance, these cells will be locked from editing.
2.4.1
Summary worksheet
The Summary worksheet summates the quantities from the Estimators input and
Secondary input worksheets and calculates the total greenhouse gas emissions
associated with the project. The total greenhouse emissions are categorised as
shown in the table below and these results are presented in a pie chart.
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Table 2.1
Summary of Estimator and Secondary Emissions
Summary of Estimator and Secondary
Emissions
Greenhouse Gas
Emissions (t
CO2-e)
Stationary Energy
0
Transport – Fuel Combustion
0
Materials
0
Vegetation
0
Waste
0
Other
0
Total
0
Percentage
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
In order to provide further analytical functionality, the material related greenhouse
gas emissions are further broken down into categories of steel, bitumen, concrete
and “other”. This information is also presented in both tabular and graphical format.
Table 2.2
Summary of Material Emissions
Greenhouse Gas
Emissions (t
CO2-e)
Percentage
Concrete
0
–
Steel
0
–
Bitumen
0
–
Other
0
–
Total
0
–
Summary of Material Emissions
General usage instructions
The Summary input worksheet provides tabular and summary information of both
the Estimator Input worksheet and the Secondary Input worksheet.
1.
2.4.2
The graph’s text label positions may be manually adjusted for legibility prior to
generating the report using the Welcome worksheet “Create Report” button.
PRINT Report Worksheet
The final worksheet is the PRINT Report Worksheet. It utilises information from
the Summary Worksheet and can be printed out as a succinct report of the
assessment including the date the assessment was undertaken and who
undertook the assessment.
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3 Technical notes
3.1
Greenhouse Gas Emissions – data entry and calculations
3.1.1
Vegetation clearance emissions
There are five categories for classification of vegetation within the GGAT. The
associated emission factor for tonnes of CO2-e per hectare cleared is shown in the
table below. This information is taken from the former New South Wales Road and
Traffic Authority’s Greenhouse Gas Emission Calculator for Road Construction Projects .
Table 3.1
Vegetation classification and emission factors
Emissions (t CO2-e/ha)
Low shrubland
10
Shrubland
40
Woodland
100
Open forest
180
Tropical and temperate closed forest
460
Within the Estimators input worksheet three categories have been allowed for.
These are low shrubland (grassland), shrubland and woodland (high shrubs and
medium density trees <10m). These three categories have been identified as
typical vegetation types encountered throughout South Australia. Open forest and
closed forest isn’t prominent throughout the state and if encountered construction
is generally required to work around this vegetation. In the case that open forest or
tropical/temperate closed forest is cleared, the data can be entered into the
Secondary input worksheet.
3.1.2
Waste emissions
There are three practical categories for classification of waste related to transport
infrastructure construction projects. The associated emission factor for tonnes of
CO2-e per tonne of waste is shown in the table below. These factors are published
in DCC’s NGA Factors.
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Table 3.2
Waste greenhouse emission factors
Emissions (t CO2-e/ha)
Municipal Solid Waste
1.2
Commercial and Industrial Waste
1.1
Construction and Demolition Waste
0.2
Within the Estimators input worksheet it has been reasonably assumed that all of
the waste calculated from project cost estimates can be considered as
Construction and Demolition (C&D) Waste. In the case that Municipal Solid Waste
(MSW) and Commercial and Industrial (C&I) Waste is generated and disposed of,
the data should be entered into the Secondary input worksheet.
3.2
Project emissions contingency
3.2.1
Items ‘not considered’ contingency
Within the Estimators input worksheet a percentage of total quantity allowance has
been included to account for minor items which have not been considered or
included in the cost estimators assessment (documented within the Estimators
input worksheet). Such items include line marking, driveway crossovers, traffic
signage, etc.
3.2.2
Project contingency
Depending upon the stage of project cost estimate the project contingency can
vary significantly. Given that greenhouse gas emissions associated with the project
will be estimated based upon cost estimate data, the project cost estimate
contingency will also apply to the project greenhouse gas emissions. The estimator
can enter this contingency percentage value in the Estimators input worksheet and
this will be automatically considered within the GHG emissions calculations.
3.2.3
“Other Emissions” worksheet contingency
Data entered into the Secondary input worksheet is likely to come from a number
of different sources at different stages throughout the project planning, design and
reporting phases. For this reason it is difficult to be able to assign a value in
relation to project contingency for these inputs.
3.3
GGAT administration and changes
The cost estimator conducting the greenhouse gas assessment may encounter
assessments where cost estimate line items and subsections and associated greenhouse
emission source quantity factors are not appropriate for a particular project.
In such cases, a GGAT modification/upgrade request should be submitted to the GGAT
Administrator (the DPTI Environment Systems Unit). The GGAT Administrator will consult
with the estimator to refine the GGAT as required.
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4
References
4.1
General references
Cement Association of Canada by Athena Institute, September 2006. A life cycle
perspective on concrete and asphalt roadways: Embodied primary energy and global
warming potential. Submitted to
Canadian Ortech Environmental Inc and John Emery Geotechnical Engineering Limited
(JEGEL), (2002), Multi-pollutant Emission Reduction Analysis Foundation (MERAF) for the
Hot-Mix Asphalt Sector, Produced for Environment Canada and the Canadian Council of
Ministers of the Environment.
Department of Climate Change, January 2011, National Greenhouse Accounts (NGA)
Factors.
Greenhouse Gas Assessment Tool Final Report, Parsons Brinkerhoff, January 2009
(DPTI K Net #4040501)
Kim, Y. and Worrell, E. (2002), International Comparison of CO2 Emission Trends in the
Iron and Steel Industry. Energy Policy 30, 827 - 838.
Flower DJM, Sanjayan J and Baweja D (2005). Environmental Impacts of Concrete
Production and Construction, 22nd Biennial Conference of the Concrete Institute of
Australia, Melbourne, Australia.
Energy Strategies (2007), Review of CO2-e Emissions from Concrete versus Timber
Sleepers
Flower DJM, Sanjayan J (2007). Greenhouse Gas Emissions due to Concrete
Manufacture, the International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment 12, (5) 282 - 288
Inventory of Carbon and Energy, Version 1.6A, Prof. Geoff Hammond & Craig Jones,
University of Bath, 2008.
Ortiz Ripoll J, Moncunill Farre C, 500-002 Evaluation of Greenhouse Gas Emissions from
the Production of Hot Asphalt Mixtures
VicRoads.
http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/PublicTransportAndEnvironment/Environment/Envir
onmentalProtection/Greenhouse.htm
Government of South Australia:
SA Strategic Plan: http://www.stateplan.sa.gov.au/
SA Climate Change Strategy: http://www.climatechange.sa.gov.au/
Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency
http://www.climatechange.gov.au/
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Appendix A: Greenhouse Gas Emissions factor references
Emission t CO2/unit
Scope 1
Emission Factor References
Scope 2
Scope 3
0.00084
0.00014
DCC NGA Factors, 2008
0.06950
0.00530
DCC NGA Factors, 2008
Diesel
2.70000
0.20000
DCC NGA Factors, 2008
Petrol
2.30000
0.20000
DCC NGA Factors, 2008
LPG
1.60000
0.10000
DCC NGA Factors, 2008
Ethanol (molasses)
0.00900
1.30000
DCC NGA Factors, 2008
Ethanol (wheat starch waste)
0.00900
1.30000
DCC NGA Factors, 2008
Biodiesel (Canola)
0.00900
1.50000
DCC NGA Factors, 2008
Biodiesel (Tallow)
0.00900
1.30000
DCC NGA Factors, 2008
Stationary Energy
Electricity
Diesel
Transport – Fuel combustion
Materials
Concrete
(Cement:Sand:Aggregate)
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General concrete
0.312
Prof. Geoff Hammond & Craig
Jones, Inventory of Carbon and
Energy, Version 1.6A, University
of Bath, 2008.
1:1:2
0.5016
Prof. Geoff Hammond & Craig
Jones, Inventory of Carbon and
Energy, Version 1.6A, University
of Bath, 2008.
1:1.5:3
0.3816
Prof. Geoff Hammond & Craig
Jones, Inventory of Carbon and
Energy, Version 1.6A, University
of Bath, 2008.
1:2:4
0.3096
Prof. Geoff Hammond & Craig
Jones, Inventory of Carbon and
Energy, Version 1.6A, University
of Bath, 2008.
1:2.5:5
0.2616
Prof. Geoff Hammond & Craig
Jones, Inventory of Carbon and
Energy, Version 1.6A, University
of Bath, 2008.
1:3:6
0.2304
Prof. Geoff Hammond & Craig
Jones, Inventory of Carbon and
Energy, Version 1.6A, University
of Bath, 2008.
1:4:8
0.192
Prof. Geoff Hammond & Craig
Jones, Inventory of Carbon and
Energy, Version 1.6A, University
of Bath, 2008.
Steel
2.2
BlueScope Steel, Community,
Safety and Environment Report,
2007.
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Emission t CO2/unit
Scope 1
Bitumen
Scope 2
Scope 3
Emission Factor References
0.48
Prof. Geoff Hammond & Craig
Jones, Inventory of Carbon and
Energy, Version 1.6A, University
of Bath, 2008
.
0.48
Prof. Geoff Hammond & Craig
Jones, Inventory of Carbon and
Energy, Version 1.6A, University
of Bath, 2008.
Asphalt
Bitumen
Aggregate
0.0248
Cement
0.83
Prof. Geoff Hammond & Craig
Jones, Inventory of Carbon and
Energy, Version 1.6A, University
of Bath, 2008.
General - 25% Fly Ash
0.62
Prof. Geoff Hammond & Craig
Jones, Inventory of Carbon and
Energy, Version 1.6A, University
of Bath, 2008.
General - 50% Fly Ash
0.42
Prof. Geoff Hammond & Craig
Jones, Inventory of Carbon and
Energy, Version 1.6A, University
of Bath, 2008.
0.83
Prof. Geoff Hammond & Craig
Jones, Inventory of Carbon and
Energy, Version 1.6A, University
of Bath, 2008.
0.079968
Prof. Geoff Hammond & Craig
Jones, Inventory of Carbon and
Energy, Version 1.6A, University
of Bath, 2008.
11.5
Prof. Geoff Hammond & Craig
Jones, Inventory of Carbon and
Energy, Version 1.6A, University
of Bath, 2008.
Cement treated crushed rock
Cement
Crushed rock (coarse quarry
product)
Aluminium
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Fill
0.0015
Vic Roads tool
Aggregate/Base – fine (Quarry
products)
0.0139
Flower DJM, Sanjayan J (2007).
Greenhouse Gas Emissions due
to Concrete Manufacture, the
International Journal of Life
Cycle Assessment 12, (5) 282 288
Aggregate/Base – coarse
(Quarry products)
0.0357
Flower DJM, Sanjayan J (2007).
Greenhouse Gas Emissions due
to Concrete Manufacture, the
International Journal of Life
Cycle Assessment 12, (5) 282 288
Hot Mix Asphalt
0.035
Ortiz Ripoll J, Moncunill Farre C,
500-002 Evaluation of
Greenhouse Gas Emissions
from the Production of Hot
Asphalt Mixtures
Copper wiring
5.52
VicRoads tool
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Emission t CO2/unit
Scope 1
Scope 2
Scope 3
Emission Factor References
Lime
0.74
Prof. Geoff Hammond & Craig
Jones, Inventory of Carbon and
Energy, Version 1.6A, University
of Bath, 2008.
Hardwood Timber (Red gum)
0.014
Energy Strategies (2007),
Review of CO2-e Emissions fron
Concrete versus Timber
Sleepers
PVC
0.0025
Prof. Geoff Hammond & Craig
Jones, Inventory of Carbon and
Energy, Version 1.6A, University
of Bath, 2008.
Concrete sleepers
0.0572
Energy Strategies (2007),
Review of CO2-e Emissions fron
Concrete versus Timber
Sleepers
Timber sleepers
0.035
Energy Strategies (2007),
Review of CO2-e Emissions fron
Concrete versus Timber
Sleepers
Low shrubland
0.001
RTA Tool
Shrubland
0.004
RTA Tool
Woodland
0.010
RTA Tool
Open forest
0.018
RTA Tool
Tropical and temperate closed
forest
0.046
RTA Tool
Municipal Solid Waste
1.11
DCC NGA Factors, 2008
Commercial and Industrial
Waste
1.66
DCC NGA Factors, 2008
Construction and Demolition
Waste
0.25
DCC NGA Factors, 2008
Rail sleepers
Vegetation
Waste
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Appendix B: Case Studies
In developing the GGAT, a number of recent DPTI transport infrastructure projects were
selected for use as case studies for the purpose of demonstrating the functionality of the
GGAT. Selected case studies are presented below.
Case Study 1: Port Wakefield Road Reconstruction
The Port Wakefield Road Reconstruction project had a relatively complex cost estimate
consisting of a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet of approximately 1,000 line items.
The data from this estimate was entered into the GGAT by external cost estimators,
Costplan Pty Ltd, in order to test the functionality of the tool.
Data entry into GGAT was timed, and in this instance took the estimators twenty-nine
minutes to complete.
The resultant greenhouse gas assessment summary table is shown and the completed
GGAT and Assessment Report are attached in Appendix C1.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions – Project Total Summary Case Study 1
Greenhouse Gas
Emissions (t CO2-e)
Percentage
0
0%
Transport – Fuel Combustion
5,157
56%
Materials
2,835
31%
68
1%
1,113
12%
Summary of Estimator and Ad-hoc Emissions
Stationary Energy
Vegetation
Waste
Other
0
0%
Total
9,173
100%
Case Study 2: Typical rural passing lane
In this case the GGAT was applied to a typical rural passing lane project.
The cost estimate data input took seven minutes and the GESQF’s were adjusted to
account for the project being sited in a rural location (as distinct from metropolitan
Adelaide).
The resultant greenhouse gas assessment summary table is shown and the completed
GGAT and Assessment Report is attached in Appendix C2.
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Greenhouse Gas Emissions – Project Total Summary Case Study 2
Greenhouse Gas
Emissions (t CO2-e)
Percentage
0
0.00%
Transport – Fuel Combustion
1,333
56%
Materials
7,143
31%
Vegetation
10
1%
Waste
0
0.00%
Other
0
0.00%
Total
8,486
100%
Summary of Estimator and Ad-hoc Emissions
Stationary Energy
Case Study 3: Glenelg Tram Overpass
A greenhouse gas assessment of the Glenelg Tram Overpass project was conducted by
QED Pty Ltd in April 2008. The results are presented in the table below.
Table 0.1
Greenhouse Gas Emissions associated with the Glenelg Tram Overpass
Materials
Quantity
Unit
CO2-e (tonnes)
% of Total CO2-e
Concrete Supply
4,422
m3
1,720
64.8%
Steelwork Supply
600
tonne
330
12.4
Reinforcement Supply
830
tonne
457
17.2
15,335
m3
138
5.2
573
tonne
10
0.4
Quarry Products
Asphalt Supply
Total
2,655
The values from the above table were entered into the Secondary Input worksheet of the
GGAT in order to test the functionality of the tool. The resultant greenhouse gas
assessment summary table is shown below.
Materials Summary – Greenhouse Gas Emissions – By Material
Greenhouse Gas
Emissions (t CO2-e)
Percentage
Concrete
1,380
29%
Steel
3,146
66%
14
0%
Summary of Material Emissions
Bitumen
Other
227
5%
Total
4,766
100%
The differences in greenhouse emissions are a result of different emission factors being
chosen for application in the assessment. All greenhouse emission factor references are
documented within the GGAT and the References section of this report.
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Appendix C: Emission Factors and Embodied Energy
Greenhouse gas emissions
Greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2), water vapour and methane (CH4) in
the air closest to the Earth's surface absorb outgoing radiant heat. Some of the warmth is
re-radiated back downwards to warm the surface of the Earth. This natural phenomenon
is known as the ‘greenhouse effect’.
However, a human-driven increase in the proportion of greenhouse gases in the air is
enhancing the greenhouse effect. More energy is being absorbed from the Sun than our
planet reflects back to space. As a result the Earth's atmosphere and surface is warming,
increasing this effect.
It is known that atmospheric concentrations of these gases have increased. The primary
cause is the burning of fossil fuels and emissions from land clearing. Humans have had
most impact on the enhanced greenhouse effect through increases in the amounts of
carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide.
All greenhouse gas emissions are expressed in terms of equivalent units of carbon
dioxide (CO2-e). All non-carbon dioxide gases are converted to carbon dioxide equivalent
using the Global Warming Potential index. The Kyoto Protocol identifies six major
greenhouse gases which must be reported by countries that have ratified the protocol.
These gases are carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, sulphur hexafluoride,
hydrofluorocarbons and perfluorocarbons.
Activities that generate greenhouse gas emissions in South Australia can be broken down
into sectors including stationary energy, transport, fugitive emissions, industrial
processes, agriculture, waste and land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF).
South Australia’s total greenhouse gas emissions in 2006 were 28 MtCO2-e. Of this,
transport contributed 5.8 MtCO2-e or approximately 21%.
DPTI is interested in gaining a better understanding of their greenhouse gas emissions
profile, in order to meet reporting requirements and identify opportunities to reduce
emissions for both environmental and economic outcomes.
National greenhouse emission factors
The Department of Climate Change has prepared and published the National
Greenhouse Accounts (NGA) Factors, which include greenhouse gas emission factors for
general application across a broad range of greenhouse emissions inventories.
The default emission factors in this publication have been estimated by the Department of
Climate Change using the Australian Greenhouse Emissions Information System (AGEIS)
and are determined simultaneously with the production of Australia’s National
Greenhouse Accounts.
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Types of emission factors
Emission factors are activity specific. Emission factors can be referred to as direct and
indirect emissions or scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions. The Department of Climate Change
defines the following:

Direct emissions are produced from sources within the boundary of an organisation
and as a result of that organisation’s activities.

Indirect emissions are emissions generated in the wider economy as a consequence
of an organisation’s activities, but which are physically produced by the activities of
another organisation.

Scope 1 emissions are direct (or point-source) emissions.

Scope 2 emissions are indirect emissions from the generation of the electricity
purchased and consumed by the reporting organisation.

Scope 3 emissions are indirect emissions from various other activities. Examples
include burning of fossil fuels and consumption of purchased electricity.
These NGA default emission factors will be utilised in the GGAT where applicable. These
factors are shown in Table 4.1.
Greenhouse accounts factors
Emission source
Unit
Scope 1
Emission factor
Scope 2
Emission factor
Scope 3
Emission factor
kg CO2-e/unit
kg CO2-e/unit
kg CO2-e/unit
Stationary energy
Electricity
kWh
–
0.84
0.14
Natural Gas
GJ
51.3
–
19.4
Diesel
kL
2,700
–
200
Petrol
kL
2,300
–
200
Diesel
kL
2,700
–
200
LPG
kL
1,600
–
100
Ethanol (molasses)
kL
9.0
–
1,300
Ethanol (wheat starch
waste)
kL
9.0
–
1,300
Biodiesel (Canola)
kL
9.0
–
1,500
Biodiesel (Tallow)
kL
9.0
–
1,300
Municipal solid waste
tonnes
–
–
1,111
Commercial and industrial
waste
tonnes
–
–
1,660
Construction and
demolition waste
tonnes
–
–
250
Transport fuels
Waste
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South Australian emission factors
Emission factors specific to South Australia include factors for the use of stationary
energy including electricity and natural gas. These factors are based on the source of the
energy and the energy generation processes.
As mentioned in the previous section, embodied emissions can vary depending on the
efficiency of production processes. At this stage, there are no state specific embodied
energy related emission factors readily available for application in this tool.
It is possible that if a specific supplier is chosen for a project, the supplier may be able to
provide the necessary information in order to calculate a specific emission factor for that
particular material or product. South Australian based companies which are likely to be
able to provide this information include OneSteel and Adelaide Brighton Cement.
There are currently a number of organisations involved in research and life cycle analysis
studies in order to calculate embodied emission factors and the availability of these is
likely to improve into the future.
Some of these organisations include EPA Victoria, RMIT University, UniSA and the LMC.
Embodied energy
Embodied energy is defined as “the energy consumed by all of the processes associated
with the production of a product, material or service, from the mining and processing of
natural resources to manufacturing and product delivery”. Embodied energy does not
include the operation and disposal of building material.
Embodied energy will vary for any given material depending upon the efficiency of the
production processes. If the source of any given material/product and the performance of
the company producing the material/product are known, it can be possible to establish
specific greenhouse emission factors for particular materials/products.
The quantification of embodied energy and associated greenhouse gas emissions is a
relatively new process. As a result, location and/or company specific embodied energy
greenhouse emission factors are not widely available yet.
In the case that the source of a material/product is known, the company may be contacted
to provide the information required to calculate an emission factor for their product.
However, for practical application of a GGAT over a broad range of projects, a typical
factor will be the default, and specific factors may be added when they become available
in the future. Some example default factors are shown in Table 4.2:
Embodied energy emission factors
Unit of measurement
Emission factor
(tonnes CO2-e/unit)
Steel
tonnes
0.55
General concrete
tonnes
0.13
Bitumen
tonnes
0.48
Hardwood Timber
tonnes
0.014
Emission source
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