Hydraulic engineering contributes significantly to global carbon emissions, with the construction sector accounting for 37% of global emissions and cement manufacturing responsible for 8% of world’s CO2 emissions. This review synthesizes strategies for reducing embodied and operational carbon in hydraulic infrastructure through renewable energy integration, sustainable construction materials, and smart water management systems. Key findings reveal that hydropower demonstrates median emission intensity of 24 gCO2-eq/kWh compared to 490 CO2-eq/kWh for natural gas, while geopolymer concrete achieves 56% carbon reduction versus ordinary Portland cement. Life Cycle Assessment methodologies quantify emissions across infrastructure lifecycles. Policy frameworks including carbon pricing and green financing mechanisms promote low-carbon adoption. Critical challenges include remote sensing barriers for emission monitoring and social acceptance factors affecting retrofitting implementation. The review provides implementation recommendations for sector-wide decarbonization aligned with Paris Agreement targets.
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