Establishing an implementation framework for dynamic carbon monitoring in the AEC industry

Real-time carbon emission monitoring could provide high-quality data to inform carbon reduction strategies. Nevertheless, the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry currently relies on static, pre- or post-assessments of carbon emissions, leading to a gap between estimated and actual emissions, which hinders timely intervention to reduce emissions. Consequently, securing accurate and up-to-date data on actual carbon emissions emerges as a critical imperative. This study systematically reviews recent research on real-time carbon monitoring in the AEC industry from 2010 to 2024, focusing on key aspects such as monitoring object, boundary, dynamic data acquisition method, carbon calculation method, and functional services. The research findings indicate that GPS, BIM, RFID, and Sensors are the primary technologies employed for real-time carbon monitoring, with Sensor technology uniquely suited for the full life cycle monitoring. However, their integration remains limited, hindering fully automated real-time monitoring. Current monitoring systems primarily focus on carbon monitoring, neglecting potential for carbon prediction and early warning functionalities. These systems offer homogeneous functions with limited integration. Furthermore, the study proposes a framework for developing comprehensive carbon monitoring systems in AEC industry from five aspects. This study offers tailored methodological guidance for practitioners and valuable insights for researchers exploring carbon monitoring’s future trajectory.