Eco-Friendly Smart Construction Systems for Decarbonization of Construction Industry

Project overview

This research project seeks to decarbonize the construction industry through a strategy that embraces the transition from conventional on-site construction to off-site construction.

This research aims to optimize supply chain schedules, covering raw material provision, production, transportation logistics and on-site assembly. The goal is to streamline these processes, minimizing waste, reducing environmental impact and enhancing productivity and quality in off-site construction projects.

Key project details

Principal investigator	Sang Hyeok Han, associate professor, Building, Civil, and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University
Co-principal investigators	Ahmed Soliman, associate professor, Building, Civil, and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University; Osama Moselhi, professor, Building, Civil, and Environmental Engineering, and director, Centre for Innovation in Construction and Infrastructure Engineering and Management, Concordia University; Mazdak Nik-Bakht, associate professor, Building, Civil, and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University; Po-Han Chen, professor, Building, Civil, and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University; Rebecca Dziedzic, assistant professor, Building, Civil, and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University; Jong Won Ma, assistant professor, Building, Civil, and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University
Research collaborators	Mohsen Farhadloo, Business Analytics, Concordia University; Mohamed Al-Hussein, Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Alberta
Non-academic partners	National Research Council Canada, Canam-Buildings, Pomerleau, Hydro-Québec
Research Keywords	Off-site construction, circular economy, carbon-less material, decarbonization, community quality, digitalization, supply chain management
Budget	Cash: $410,000 In-Kind: $550,000

Research focus

A detailed 3D model visualization of an urban area with various layers indicating different aspects of the built environment. The image shows a software interface with main layers and services listed on the left side, including options for 'Built Environment', 'Transport', 'Energy', 'Waste' and 'Ecosystem'.

Off-site construction

Deploying Modular and Offsite Construction (MOC) construction strategy will significantly reduce carbon emissions, electricity consumption and material waste, while improving safety and productivity of construction process.

A detailed 3D model visualization of an urban area with various layers indicating different aspects of the built environment. It features a services menu with options such as 'Building Info', 'Energy Demand' and 'Network Solution'.

Carbon-less materials

This project also aims to investigate and advocate for the incorporation of carbon-neutral materials within the MOC approach. The objective is to diminish carbon emissions without compromising production efficiency and performance. This will be achieved through the utilization of industrial waste and the creation of lighter construction materials.

Work-life balance

Another major goal for in this research is to implement a strategic approach to enhance the quality of life within communities by fostering a harmonious work-life balance for the construction workforce. The strategy emphasizes creating a safe and well-equipped work environment, which, in turn, positively influences family life.

Volt-Age