A Carbon Footprint Assessment for Building Ceramics from the Life Cycle Perspective: A Case Study in Eastern China

Abstract

The product carbon footprint quantifies the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions throughout the life cycle of a product. In this study, the carbon footprint of building ceramics produced in eastern China has been estimated, following the life cycle assessment methodology and the actual production data. The calculation boundary includes raw materials extraction, raw materials transportation and building ceramics production. The carbon footprint of building ceramics is 6.386 kg CO 2 per square metre. The contribution of every process has also been identified. The manufacturing stage accounts for 63.25% of the total carbon footprint. The remaining processes collectively account for less than 40%. Several measures to reduce the carbon footprint have been suggested, including substituting coal with other fuels, establishing a gas pressure control system, applying low-temperature fast-firing technology, using microwave drying, adopting a wet-milling-free process, etc. Finally, the importance of developing new ceramic raw materials is emphasized.