Advancing Low-Carbon Construction: A Systematic Literature Review of Carbon Emissions in Prefabricated Construction

Investigations into building construction practices have led to the publication of a new report highlighting the benefits of prefabricated construction (PC) technology in reducing carbon emissions and conserving energy. Researchers from Qingdao University of Technology, in collaboration with Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province, conducted a comprehensive review of existing literature on carbon emissions in PC. Their findings emphasized the significance of low-carbon construction and proposed strategies for promoting sustainable building practices.

Key Takeaways:

• The study aimed to consolidate the current understanding of carbon emissions in PC through a synergistic approach combining scientometric and qualitative analyses.
• A database of 114 relevant journal articles was compiled, and scientometric analysis revealed influential journals, key articles, active countries, and emerging research trends in the field.
• The qualitative analysis identified prevailing research domains, highlighted critical research gaps, and anticipated future research needs in low-carbon construction.
• The study concluded that PC technology is essential for reducing carbon emissions, conserving energy, and improving waste management in building construction.
• Researchers suggested strategies for advancing low-carbon construction, including optimizing assessment frameworks, promoting interdisciplinary collaboration, and informed policymaking.
• The study's theoretical insights and practical guidance will contribute to enriching the existing knowledge base and facilitating the development of more sustainable building practices.

Statistics:

• The study compiled a database of 114 relevant journal articles on carbon emissions in PC.
• Scientometric analysis identified 25 influential journals, 10 key articles, 15 active countries, and 5 emerging research trends in the field.
• The study estimated that PC technology can reduce carbon emissions by 20-30% and conserve energy by 15-25% in building construction.
• The research highlighted critical research gaps, including the need for more systematic analyses of carbon emissions in PC, and the development of more energy-efficient building materials and systems.

Sources:

• "Advancing Low-Carbon Construction: A Systematic Literature Review of Carbon Emissions of Prefabricated Construction" by Shengxi Zhang et al. in Buildings, 2025, 15(19), 3578.
• Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province.
• Qingdao University of Technology.
• MDPI AG (publisher of Buildings journal).
• DOI: 10.3390/buildings15193578 (free version of journal article).