Abstract Manager

This paper explores the application of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) principles and methodologies in the context of Canada’s Low Carbon Built Environment Challenge, aimed at reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to a net-zero economy. As part of this national initiative, the Centre of Excellence for Construction Life Cycle Assessment (CECLA) is pivotal in providing road owners, engineers, and designers with the tools, guidelines, and data necessary to implement Lifecycle Inventory (LCI) and LCA in road infrastructure projects. This research presents a structured approach to integrating LCI and LCA throughout the entire life cycle of road infrastructure—from conceptualization to construction, use, and end-of-life stages. By focusing on carbon emissions, energy consumption, material waste, this paper provides practical insights into assessing and disclosing embodied carbon emissions in road design and construction.  It offers actionable insights on integrating LCI and LCA from material selection and design to construction processes and post-use management. Additionally, it emphasizes the responsibility of road owners, engineers, and consultants to integrate these methodologies at every stage, including the tendering process, to ensure sustainability goals are met. The research supports Canada’s carbon reduction targets, which include a 40% reduction in emissions by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. This research highlights the importance of collaboration across industry, government, and academia to foster a shared commitment to sustainable road infrastructure and ensure that road infrastructure development contributes to Canada’s climate resilience and sustainable future. Leveraging CECLA’s expertise, this paper serves as a roadmap for successfully integrating LCA into road infrastructure projects, aligning with both Canada’s national and global sustainability commitments.