How much of construction carbon footprint is tied to on-site activities?

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On-site activities account for 37 per cent of the construction industry’s total carbon footprint
Carbon released from construction activities on site is responsible for 37 per cent of the construction industry’s total carbon footprint. This on-site share includes fuel combustion from excavators, cranes and generators, waste disposal, temporary works, and also transport, services, machinery, and other on-site activities.
What “on-site activities” include in the footprint
The on-site portion covers emissions linked to working equipment and site operations, including fuel combustion from excavators, cranes and generators. It also includes waste disposal and temporary works carried out during construction, alongside emissions from transport, services, machinery and other on-site activities.
How the 37 per cent figure is framed
The 37 per cent figure is presented as part of how construction’s total carbon footprint breaks down, with on-site activities identified as a substantial component. The figure is used to highlight that these emissions are part of the total footprint rather than a minor subset.
What the situation is for on-site emissions quantification in Malaysia
Even though on-site activities account for 37 per cent of the industry’s total footprint, Malaysia lacks a standardised quantification mechanism for these emissions. The NSRF mandates disclosure but does not specify which emission factors to use, which on-site activities categories to account for, or which methodology governs the reported number.
Why this matters for sustainability reporting comparability
Without a structured and standardised mechanism for on-site emissions, two construction firms of the same size and activity can end up reporting vastly different carbon figures while still being compliant. This is tied to the absence of clear requirements for how on-site emissions should be quantified and what the reported figures must mean.

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How much of construction carbon footprint is tied to on-site activities?

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