Use of The QE-CO2 Method for Quantification of Carbon Dioxide Emissions in Construction Materials at a Construction Site, Juazeiro do Norte – CE

Objective: The aim of this research was to quantify the CO2 emissions generated by construction materials (steel, used as reinforcement in reinforced concrete structures, sand, gravel, cement and ceramic bricks) for the construction of a veterinary hospital located in Juazeiro do Norte – CE.   Theoretical framework: In Juazeiro do Norte, a city marked by strong urban expansion, the production and use of materials such as steel, sand, gravel, cement and ceramic bricks generate significant greenhouse gas emissions. Due to its industrial processes, such as the burning of fossil fuels, the calcination of limestone to produce clinker and the extraction and transportation of aggregates, these materials directly contribute to the increase in atmospheric emissions. Although Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is the most comprehensive method for assessing environmental impacts, its complexity and cost encourage the use of alternative approaches, such as Energy Life Cycle Assessment (ELCA) and the QE-CO₂ Method, which allows the quantification of CO₂ emissions in a simplified and reliable way.   Method: Quantification was performed using the QE-CO2 Method (Method for Quantifying Carbon Dioxide Emissions), developed by Costa (2012).   Results and discussion: According to the results obtained in this research, using such materials in the construction under study resulted in the emission of 1,878.75 tons of CO2 into the atmosphere. The material that contributed most to CO2 emissions was cement, with 710.76 tons of CO2 emitted.   Research implications: The results of this research highlight the relevance of quantifying carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions associated with construction materials in medium-sized projects, such as the construction of a veterinary hospital. By applying the QE-CO₂ Method, it was possible to accurately identify the main inputs responsible for the emissions, highlighting cement as the largest emitter of this gas. This is important for supporting policies to mitigate environmental impacts, both in the planning and execution of construction projects.   Originality/value: It lies in the practical application of the QE-CO₂ Method in a specific project located in the Cariri region of Ceará, specifically in Juazeiro do Norte, filling an important gap by highlighting the environmental impact of civil works outside large urban centers. Furthermore, the research assumes strategic value by offering data that can be used as a comparative basis for other buildings and as a reference for future life cycle assessments of materials in the civil construction sector.