The Review of Embodied Carbon Quantitative Assessment in the Construction Sector

Abstract

The construction sector is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, yet the role of embodied carbon (EC) emissions associated with materials and construction processes remains under-addressed, particularly in Malaysia. This paper reviews current practices, challenges, and methodologies for assessing EC in the Malaysian construction industry. It highlights the dominance of operational carbon in regulatory reporting and the limited industry-wide adoption of embodied carbon evaluation, largely due to data gaps, lack of awareness, and implementation barriers. Drawing on local and international studies, the paper explores assessment methods such as Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Input-Output LCA, and hybrid approaches. It evaluates the implications of building design systems, especially the role of Industrialized Building Systems (IBS), in reducing EC. The findings stress the need for standardized EC data, stronger policy enforcement, and industry collaboration to support Malaysia’s transition toward sustainable, low-carbon construction.