Cost and time are the traditional criteria for selecting heavy equipment for construction tasks. However, non-road diesel-powered construction equipment can have health and environmental effects. For example, particulate matter and nitrogen oxide emissions from diesel engines impact local air quality, carbon dioxide emissions lead to climate change, and diesel fuel consumption is a non-renewable resource. In addition, diverse materials are used for manufacturing heavy-duty construction equipment, which can also impact the environment. An environmental life cycle model of construction equipment including uncertainty was developed to select equipment combinations for tasks based on the environmental impact associated with the life cycle of the construction equipment in addition to time and cost. Selecting equipment for a task based on life cycle environmental impact is another criterion that may be relevant for construction companies seeking to reduce their environmental impact. Results of modeling alternative equipment combinations that can be used to accomplish an example construction activity are presented in terms of time, cost, and life cycle global warming potential.
