Tabu search-based multi-objective optimization of work package schemes to minimize project costs and carbon emissions.

Effective project planning is essential in construction project management for timely delivery and economic benefit realization. Work packages are pivotal in this planning, providing clear organization and progress tracking. However, existing methods for creating work package schemes often overlook environmental sustainability, specifically carbon emissions-a growing concern in construction. This study introduces a tabu search-based optimization method for work package schemes, aiming to reduce both project costs and carbon emissions. A cost-carbon model is devised, and a tabu search algorithm is developed to identify the Pareto frontier for total project cost and carbon emissions. A case study shows the tabu search outperforms existing heuristics, reducing carbon emissions by 6.19% with a marginal cost increase of 0.9%. The algorithm's adaptability and generalizability suggest it could significantly enhance economic and sustainable outcomes in construction project planning.