How does CIDB’s inventory turn local data gaps into defaults?

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CIDB's Embodied Carbon Inventory Addresses Local Data Gaps Through a Hierarchical Sourcing Approach

CIDB's Embodied Carbon Inventory addresses the challenge of incomplete local data by implementing a hierarchical sourcing strategy. When specific Malaysian emission factors are unavailable, the inventory defaults to regional or international data. This fallback mechanism is frequently triggered due to the limited scope of the existing local data, which currently comprises approximately 600 material records against thousands of specifications within the construction sector.
Prioritisation of Local Emission Factors

The design principle of CIDB's inventory prioritises the use of locally derived emission factors. This ensures that data reflecting Malaysian conditions, manufacturing processes, and supply chains is utilised whenever possible. The inventory draws from various sources, including Environmental Product Declarations from Southeast Asia, Singapore's BECC, SIRIM, and the UK's Inventory of Carbon and Energy, with a clear preference for Malaysian or regional data.
Defaulting to International Data for Missing Local Information

When local data cannot be sourced, the inventory defaults to international emission factors. A significant consideration is that these international figures are calibrated to different manufacturing conditions and energy mixes, which may not accurately represent the Malaysian context. This reliance on foreign data becomes more prevalent than the sourcing hierarchy might initially suggest due to the current limitations in the breadth and depth of local data coverage.
Limitations in Local Data Coverage

The current coverage of CIDB's Embodied Carbon Inventory is acknowledged as incomplete. With around 600 material records, it falls short of representing the vast array of specifications used in the construction sector, which involves thousands of variations. These variations are further compounded by differing site conditions, complex supply chains, and diverse regional climates across Malaysia, leading to a more frequent need to rely on non-local data.

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How does CIDB’s inventory turn local data gaps into defaults?

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