BIM-integrated LCA framework for prefabricated buildings with automated benchmarking and visual decision support

The construction sector is under pressure to reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions with upfront embodied carbon emerging as a significant contributor to the built environment’s carbon footprint. As operational emissions decline due to grid decarbonisation, the relative importance of emissions associated with material production and construction activities continues to grow. Prefabrication has garnered attention as a strategy for reducing embodied carbon due to its potential for enhanced material efficiency and reduced on-site waste. However, quantifying its benefits remains a challenge due to a lack of comprehensive benchmarks and standardised evaluation frameworks. This paper utilises a Building Information Modelling (BIM)-integrated carbon accounting framework tailored for prefabricated steel-framed buildings. The framework incorporates life cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies and is demonstrated through a real-world case project. A dynamic, parametric carbon evaluation dashboard was developed using Power BI, enabling automated material take-offs, scenario-based emission analysis, and visualisation of reduction potentials. Results show that materials such as aluminium and structural steel present substantial opportunities for carbon reduction of 15.60 % and 10.91 %, respectively, when combined with the maximum adoption of decarbonisation strategies such as material substitution and renewable energy in production. Other strategies such as lightweight steel, renewable-energy aluminium, renewable electricity during construction, and recycled concrete, yield potential reduction of 11 %, 16 %, 1.4 %, and 0.2 %, respectively. The results are readily computed in the interactive dashboard. The findings highlight the efficacy of BIM-enabled workflows in supporting early-stage carbon assessments and provide a benchmark for similar construction methods, contributing to broader decarbonisation targets in the built environment.