A Framework to Measure the Digital Carbon Footprint of Design Workflows

Abstract: The full carbon impact of the digitalisation of construction processes is somewhat neglected due to varying measurement approaches not fully tailored to design and construction processes. Utilising Jackson and Hodgkinson’s data carbon ladder, our paper proposes a framework to measure the carbon emissions of digital design processes, from which the carbon impact of common project files is evaluated. Results demonstrate significant emissions come from data storage and transfer, highlighting the need for optimised digital workflows. Our framework increases awareness of the digital carbon footprint of construction projects and helps organisations adopt sustainable digital practices to align with Net Zero targets.