Analysis of the main environmental burdens by life cycle assessment of heavy construction equipment in the material extraction phase

environmental burdens. This is largely due to the equipment used in
this activity, particularly complex heavy machinery. Hence, the aim
was to analyse the main environmental burdens occurring in the
phase of extraction and processing of materials for complex heavy
equipment used in construction. The main burdens determining the
emission of carbon footprint (CO2), land occupation, and
consumption of material resources were identified. Analyses were
carried out using the OpenLCA program with the Ecoinvent 3.10
database. The results showed that the main burdens concern, for
instance, the production of pig iron or sintered iron. Directing proenvironmental activities to reduce the identified burdens can
contribute to a significant reduction of the negative impact of heavy
construction equipment in their life cycle. This procedure is
beneficial within the framework of activities for the sustainable
development of construction.