With respect to the construction industry, carbon footprint is the product of carbon dioxide emissions generated by buildings from "cradle to grave" life cycle. In terms of engineering practice, when we define "building carbon footprint", it refers to the life cycle of a building over a 60 year period, concerning the carbon dioxide emissions discharged from the activities during the 5 stages of the building's life cycle, including: (1) production and transportation of building materials, (2) building construction, (3) use of buildings, (4) update and maintenance, and (5) demolition of buildings.

According to the assessment criteria of international carbon emissions, we established the carbon emission coefficient database for domestic construction materials and facilities. For the construction industry, they can start carbon footprint evaluation on their own projects by means of selection of building materials from the beginning, architectural design, the installation of construction operating machines and equipment, the selection of construction methods, and development of concept for low-carbon energy-saving buildings, so as to establish a well-known product and corporate image.