A strategy framework for identifying carbon intensive elements in welding processes.

Welding is a widespread process requiring substantial amount of energy and generating high carbon emissions, so calculating and reducing its carbon footprint is crucial to make it more sustainable. This paper compares welding methods (RLW, GMAW) regarding their carbon emissions and provides guidelines to identify Carbon Intensive Elements (C.I.E.). A mathematical model is employed for theoretical calculations and Life Cycle Assessment for analytical ones. Carbon emissions are normalized per welding parameters, showing that RLW is more carbon efficient than GMAW. Based on the approach used and produced results, a strategical framework developed as a roadmap to identify the most C.I.E.