On the Sustainability of Digital Construction (2026-02)¶

Whole Building Life Cycle Carbon Emissions According to Three Construction Techniques

10.1016/j.jobe.2026.115663

Lolli Francesca, Mehlomakulu Bungane, Azari Jafari Hessam, Kirchain Randolph, Monkman Sean
Journal Article - Journal of Building Engineering, Vol. 121, No. 115663

Abstract

The sustainability of 3D printed concrete (3DPC) construction is under-explored. This study evaluates the life cycle carbon emissions of 3DPC, stick-frame (STF), and concrete masonry unit (CMU) construction. Two home layouts were modeled across four U.S. climate zones with varying humidity conditions over service lives of 75 and 100 years. The findings reveal that 3DPC homes demonstrate a lower carbon footprint than those built with conventional methods. Over 100 years, embodied carbon in 3DPC homes is 10% lower than CMU and 5% lower than STF, with annual operational carbon savings ranging from 2% to 13%, depending on the climate. Estimated total carbon savings are 8% to over 15% compared to CMU, and 3% to 9% compared to STF. These results are specific to the chosen finishes, a materially efficient 3DPC wall design and low carbon 3DPC material. 3DPC construction can offer a scalable housing solution with a reduced environmental impact.

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BibTeX

@article{loll_mehl_azar_kirc.2026.OtSoDC,
  author            = "Francesca Lolli and Bungane Mehlomakulu and Hessam Azari Jafari and Randolph Kirchain and Sean Monkman",
  title             = "On the Sustainability of Digital Construction: Whole Building Life Cycle Carbon Emissions According to Three Construction Techniques",
  doi               = "10.1016/j.jobe.2026.115663",
  year              = "2026",
  journal           = "Journal of Building Engineering",
  volume            = "121",
  pages             = "115663",
}

Formatted Citation

IEEE

F. Lolli, B. Mehlomakulu, H. A. Jafari, R. Kirchain and S. Monkman, “On the Sustainability of Digital Construction: Whole Building Life Cycle Carbon Emissions According to Three Construction Techniques”, Journal of Building Engineering, vol. 121, p. 115663, 2026, doi: 10.1016/j.jobe.2026.115663.

CMOS

Lolli, Francesca, Bungane Mehlomakulu, Hessam Azari Jafari, Randolph Kirchain, and Sean Monkman. “On the Sustainability of Digital Construction: Whole Building Life Cycle Carbon Emissions According to Three Construction Techniques”. Journal of Building Engineering 121 (2026): 115663. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2026.115663.