Literature Review Sustainable Building Construction

Literature
Review:
Sustainable
Building
This chapter explores the theoretical and empirical literature on
sustainable building construction. It examines the key aspects,
Construction
principles, challenges, and drivers of sustainable buildings, as well as
methods for implementation. The review provides a comprehensive
overview of current research and practices in the field of sustainable
construction.
HJ
by Heran Jorj
Aspects of Sustainable Building
Construction
Sustainable construction is built on three pillars: environmental, social, and economic aspects. The
environmental aspect focuses on reducing negative impacts through practices like minimizing resource
consumption, using renewable materials, and enhancing air quality. The social aspect, though less
researched, involves respecting human rights, ethical practices, and community engagement. The economic
aspect aims to contribute to national development by creating job opportunities and improving living
standards.
Environmental Social Economic
Minimizing resource use, Respecting human rights, ethical Job creation, improved living
protecting ecosystems, reducing practices, community standards, national development
pollution engagement
Sustainable Building Principles
Sustainable buildings aim to minimize harmful impacts on the environment while meeting human needs. Key principles include reducing resource consumption, using
renewable energy, minimizing waste, and improving indoor environmental quality. These buildings should also generate better long-term economic value and enhance human
satisfaction and productivity. The concept extends beyond individual structures to encompass entire communities, aiming to create harmonious living environments that
balance human needs with environmental preservation.
Planning 1
Integrate sustainable principles from project inception
2 Design
Incorporate energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly features
Construction 3
Use sustainable materials and minimize waste
4 Operation
Maintain efficiency and minimize environmental impact
Challenges of Sustainable Building
The adoption of sustainable building practices faces numerous challenges across political,
economic, sociocultural, technological, and legal domains. Political barriers include insufficient
government support and conflicting regulations. Economic challenges involve higher initial costs
and extended payback periods. Sociocultural barriers stem from a lack of awareness and
resistance to change. Technological hurdles include limited availability of green products and
materials. Legal obstacles encompass inadequate regulations and certification processes.
Political
Insufficient support, conflicting regulations
Economic
Higher costs, extended payback periods
Sociocultural
Lack of awareness, resistance to change
Technological
Limited green products, material availability
Drivers of Sustainable Building
Despite challenges, several factors drive the adoption of sustainable building practices. Political drivers include government incentives and
supportive policies. Economic motivators encompass reduced lifecycle costs, higher rental returns, and improved building values. Sociocultural
drivers involve enhanced occupant health, comfort, and satisfaction. Technological advancements in construction efficiency and integrated
work environments also promote sustainable practices. Legal drivers include increasing regulations and green building rating systems.
Environmental benefits, such as energy and water efficiency, remain crucial motivators.
Government Support Economic Benefits Occupant Well-being Environmental Impact

Incentives and policies Reduced lifecycle costs and Improved health, comfort, and Energy efficiency and reduced
promoting green construction higher returns satisfaction ecological footprint
Methods of Implementing Sustainable Building
Implementing sustainable building practices requires a multi-faceted approach. Key methods include enhancing energy efficiency
through efficient appliances and renewable energy sources, using sustainable materials with low environmental impact,
implementing waste reduction and management strategies, conserving water through efficient fixtures and rainwater harvesting,
improving indoor environmental quality, and conducting life-cycle assessments. These methods, combined with a focus on resource
conservation, cost efficiency, and human-centric design, pave the way for a more sustainable future in construction.
Energy Efficiency Sustainable Materials Water Conservation Indoor Quality

Efficient appliances, renewable Low-impact, durable, recyclable Efficient fixtures, rainwater Improved air, light, thermal
sources harvesting comfort
Empirical Literature Review
Empirical studies highlight the construction industry's significant environmental impact and the potential of sustainable building practices to contribute to
sustainable development. Research identifies key barriers to implementation, including lack of technical expertise, insufficient knowledge about green
practices, and inadequate cost information. Studies emphasize the need for integrated teams, motivational factors for stakeholders, and consideration of
both direct and indirect costs in green construction. The literature also underscores the importance of addressing project-specific decision-making and the
need for reliable data on cost premiums for green buildings.
Barrier Impact
Lack of expertise Hinders implementation
Insufficient knowledge Limits adoption
Inadequate cost info Discourages investment
Lack of integrated teams Reduces efficiency

Conceptual Framework
The conceptual framework for this study identifies sustainable building projects as the dependent variable, influenced by various independent variables
categorized as challenges affecting adoption and implementation. These challenges are grouped into four distinct categories: political and social factors,
economic and financial factors, technological and material factors, and environmental factors. This framework provides a structured approach to
understanding the complex interplay of factors influencing sustainable building practices, guiding further research and practical applications in the field.
Framework Overview Challenge Interactions

Visual representation of the conceptual framework showing the relationship Detailed flowchart illustrating how different challenges interact and
between sustainable building projects and influencing factors. influence sustainable building practices.

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Literature

Environmental Social Economic

Government Support Economic Benefits Occupant Well-being Environmental Impact

Energy Efficiency Sustainable Materials Water Conservation Indoor Quality

Lack of expertise Hinders implementation

Insufficient knowledge Limits adoption

Inadequate cost info Discourages investment

Lack of integrated teams Reduces efficiency

Framework Overview Challenge Interactions

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