Engineering › Building and Construction

Sustainable Building Design and Assessment

Works Count: 35302

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Description

This cluster of papers focuses on sustainable construction and green building research, covering topics such as environmental assessment tools, social sustainability, urban sustainability indicators, barriers and drivers for sustainable building, project management practices, regenerative sustainability, and building environmental assessment. The papers explore the current status, future agenda, challenges, and opportunities in the field of sustainable construction.

Keywords

Sustainable Construction; Green Building; Environmental Assessment Tools; Social Sustainability; Urban Sustainability Indicators; LEED Certification; Barriers and Drivers; Project Management Practices; Regenerative Sustainability; Building Environmental Assessment

The Economics of Green Building

2012-05-15

Piet Eichholtz , Nils Kok , John M. Quigley

We analyze the economics of green building, finding that recent increases in the supply of green buildings and the volatility in prop- erty markets have not affected the returns to … We analyze the economics of green building, finding that recent increases in the supply of green buildings and the volatility in prop- erty markets have not affected the returns to green buildings. We then analyze a large cross-section of office buildings, demonstrating that eco- nomic returns to energy-efficient buildings are substantial. Finally, we relate the economic premiums for green buildings to their relative effi- ciency in energy use—the attributes rated for thermal efficiency, as well as sustainability, contribute to premiums in rents and asset values. Among green buildings, increased energy efficiency is fully capitalized into rents and asset values.

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Life cycle of buildings, demolition and recycling potential: A case study in Turin, Italy

2008-03-16

Giovanni Andrea Blengini

Life cycle assessment in the construction sector: A review

2013-06-26

Matthias Buyle , Johan Braet , Amaryllis Audenaert

An adaptive learning process for developing and applying sustainability indicators with local communities

2006-01-20

Mark S. Reed , Evan D.G. Fraser , Andrew J. Dougill

Advancing sustainable urban transformation

2013-02-01

Kes McCormick , Stefan Anderberg , Lars Coenen +1 more

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A critical review of seven selected neighborhood sustainability assessment tools

2012-07-20

Ayyoob Sharifi , Akito Murayama

Comparative study of greenhouse gas emissions between off-site prefabrication and conventional construction methods: Two case studies of residential projects

2013-07-18

Chao Mao , Qiping Shen , Liyin Shen +1 more

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Exploring the scientific discourse on cultural sustainability

2014-01-01

Katriina Soini , Inger Birkeland

The drivers for contractors’ green innovation: an industry perspective

2010-05-05

Guoyou Qi , Li Shen , Saixing Zeng +1 more

The application of urban sustainability indicators – A comparison between various practices

2010-04-12

Liyin Shen , J. Jorge Ochoa , Mona Shah +1 more

Do LEED-certified buildings save energy? Yes, but…

2009-03-26

Guy R. Newsham , Sandra Mancini , Benjamin J. Birt

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Joint effect of feedback and goal setting on performance: A field study of residential energy conservation.

1978-08-01

Lawrence J. Becker

The facilitating motivational effect of feedback on performance has been attributed by some to difficult goals set in response to feedback. In this article, the effect was attributed to the … The facilitating motivational effect of feedback on performance has been attributed by some to difficult goals set in response to feedback. In this article, the effect was attributed to the presence of both a difficult goal and feedback about performance in relation to that goal. Eighty families were asked to set a goal to reduce their residential electricity consumption for several weeks during the summer, half of them by 20% (a difficult goal) and half by 2% (an easy goal). Within each of these groups, half of the families were given feedback three times a week about their consumption. Twenty more families served as a control. As predicted, the 20%-feedback group conserved the most (13.0% - 15.1%) and was the only one that consumed significantly less electricity than the control. It was concluded that improved performance was a result of the joint effect of feedback and goal setting. The implications of this research for a national residential conservation strategy are discussed. 20 references, 2 tables.

Envisioning sustainability three-dimensionally

2008-04-19

Rodrigo Lozano

Green building research–current status and future agenda: A review

2013-11-07

Jian Zuo , Zhenyu Wu

Life cycle energy analysis of buildings: An overview

2010-05-27

T. Ramesh , Ravi Prakash , K.K. Shukla

A critical review of building environmental assessment tools

2008-02-15

Appu Haapio , Pertti Viitaniemi

Life cycle assessment in buildings: State-of-the-art and simplified LCA methodology as a complement for building certification

2009-05-19

Ignacio Zabalza , Alfonso Aranda‐Usón , Sabina Scarpellini

What is social sustainability? A clarification of concepts

2011-03-08

Suzanne Vallance , Harvey C. Perkins , Jennifer Dixon

REDUCING HOUSEHOLD ENERGY CONSUMPTION: A QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE FIELD STUDY

1999-03-01

Gwendolyn Brandon , Alan Lewis

Inter-linking issues and dimensions in sustainability reporting

2010-01-19

Rodrigo Lozano , Don Huisingh

Building information modeling for sustainable design and LEED® rating analysis

2010-11-17

Salman Azhar , Wade A. Carlton , Darren Olsen +1 more

Sustainable construction—The role of environmental assessment tools

2007-02-08

Grace Ding

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Sustainable Construction: Green Building Design and Delivery

2013-01-01

Umberto Berardi

Sustainable construction: green building design and delivery , by Charles J. Kibert, Hoboken, NJ, Wiley, October 30, 2012, 560 pp., €68.00, ISBN 978-0-470-90445-9 The new edition of the book Sustai... Sustainable construction: green building design and delivery , by Charles J. Kibert, Hoboken, NJ, Wiley, October 30, 2012, 560 pp., €68.00, ISBN 978-0-470-90445-9 The new edition of the book Sustai...

Barriers and drivers for sustainable building

2011-04-12

Tarja Häkkinen , Kaisa Belloni

Abstract What are the actual barriers and drivers for sustainable building? A literature review, interviews and case studies are presented to address this question. Sustainable building is not hindered by … Abstract What are the actual barriers and drivers for sustainable building? A literature review, interviews and case studies are presented to address this question. Sustainable building is not hindered by a lack of technologies and assessment methods, but is instead beset with organizational and procedural difficulties entailed by the adoption of new methods. New technologies are resisted because they require process changes entailing risks and unforeseen costs. These hindrances can be reduced by learning what kind of decision-making phases, new tasks, actors, roles and ways of networking are needed. The barriers are outlined as steering mechanisms, economics, a lack of client understanding, process (procurement and tendering, timing, cooperation and networking), and underpinning knowledge (knowledge and common language, the availability of methods and tools, innovation). The most important actions to promote sustainable building are the development of the awareness of clients about the benefits of sustainable building, the development and adoption of methods for sustainable building requirement management, the mobilization of sustainable building tools, the development of designers' competence and team working, and the development of new concepts and services. The interviews and case studies were carried out in Finland, but the results may be applicable or interesting to other countries as well. Quels sont les obstacles et les vecteurs actuels en matière de construction de bâtiments durables ? Il est présenté une analyse bibliographique, des entretiens et des études de cas afin d'examiner cette question. La construction de bâtiments durables n'est pas entravée par un manque de technologies et de méthodes d'évaluation, mais est plutôt en butte à de multiples difficultés organisationnelles et procédurales occasionnées par l'adoption de méthodes nouvelles. Il y a une résistance aux nouvelles technologies parce qu'elles nécessitent des modifications des processus entraînant des risques et des coûts imprévus. Il est possible de réduire ces entraves en faisant l'apprentissage de ce qui est nécessaire, s'agissant des phases de prise de décision, des nouvelles tâches, des nouveaux acteurs, des nouvelles fonctions et des nouveaux modes de mise en réseau. Les obstacles passés en revue concernent les mécanismes de pilotage, l'économie, un manque de compréhension des clients, les processus (achats et appels d'offres, timing, coopération et mise en réseau) et les connaissances de base (connaissances et langage commun, disponibilité des méthodes et des outils, innovation). Les mesures les plus importantes pour promouvoir la construction de bâtiments durables sont le développement de la sensibilisation des clients aux avantages d'un bâtiment durable, le développement et l'adoption de méthodes de gestion des exigences propres aux bâtiments durables, la mobilisation des outils de construction durable, le développement des compétences des concepteurs et du travail d'équipe, et le développement de concepts et de services nouveaux. Les entretiens et les études de cas ont été réalisés en Finlande, mais les résultats peuvent également s'appliquer à d'autres pays ou présenter un intérêt pour d'autres pays. Mots clés: obstacles, industrie du bâtiment, vecteurs, gestion, changement organisationnel, professionnalisme, processus de construction durable, bâtiment durable Keywords: barriersconstruction industrydriversmanagementorganizational changeprofessionalismsustainable building processsustainable building Acknowledgements This paper presents part of the overall results of the Finnish national research project Sustainable Building Processes (SUSPROC) Citation(2010). Tarja Häkkinen was the coordinator of the research project. The objectives of the SUSPROC overall research project were to understand barriers and impacts, develop new working processes, develop new business models for SB, and develop effective steering mechanisms. The overall results are published on the project website (SUSPROC, Citation2010) and in other articles (Rekola et al., Citation2010; Taipale, Citation2010; Lehtinen and Kaste, Citation2010). The study was completed within the European project Sustainability and Performance Assessment and Benchmarking of Buildings (SuPerBuildings) Citation(2011).

Life cycle assessment: A case study of a dwelling home in Scotland

2006-01-20

Mohammad Asif , T. Muneer , Richard Kelley

Life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle energy analysis (LCEA) of buildings and the building sector: A review

2013-09-21

Luisa F. Cabeza , Lídia Rincón , Virginia Vilariño +2 more

Measuring the sustainability of cities: An analysis of the use of local indicators

2009-09-01

Georges A. Tanguay , Juste Rajaonson , Jean‐François Lefebvre +1 more

Green building project management: obstacles and solutions for sustainable development

2010-07-19

Bon‐Gang Hwang , Jac See Tan

ABSTRACT Green building construction is earning a place in Singapore's construction industry, and, with augmenting cognizance of environmental issues and growing concern over climate change, sustainable construction is gradually being … ABSTRACT Green building construction is earning a place in Singapore's construction industry, and, with augmenting cognizance of environmental issues and growing concern over climate change, sustainable construction is gradually being put forth globally. However, construction of green buildings in Singapore still encounters impediments, as there is a lack of proper project management framework for such projects. Based on survey and interview results from 31 industry experts, this study aims to identify common obstacles encountered during management of green construction projects, ultimately proposing some solutions to overcome the barriers. The findings from this study reveal that, although project cost is the paramount barrier among others in green building construction management, there is no paucity in sustainable knowledge in Singapore's construction industry. To deal with the cost related problem, the coverage of government incentives should be widened to include the usage of green products and technologies. Furthermore, a project management framework for green building construction should be developed to overcome the barriers, possibly promoting adoption of sustainable construction in future projects. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.

Sustainable construction: principles and a framework for attainment

1997-05-01

Richard Hill , Paul Bowen

Abstract The evolution of the concept of sustainable development is used as a basis for advancing understanding of sustainable construction. Principles of sustainable construction are developed and divided into four … Abstract The evolution of the concept of sustainable development is used as a basis for advancing understanding of sustainable construction. Principles of sustainable construction are developed and divided into four ‘pillars’ - social, economic, biophysical and technical - with a set of over-arching, process-oriented principles, to be used as a checklist in practice. A multi-stage framework is proposed which requires the application of Environmental Assessment and Environmental Management Systems for construction projects. Keywords: SustainableDevelopmentEnvironmentAssessmentManagement

Greening Project Management Practices for Sustainable Construction

2010-05-06

Lauren Bradley Robichaud , Vittal Anantatmula

Environmentally sustainable building construction has experienced significant growth during the past 10 years. The public is becoming more aware of the benefits of green construction as prominent politicians, celebrities, documentarians, … Environmentally sustainable building construction has experienced significant growth during the past 10 years. The public is becoming more aware of the benefits of green construction as prominent politicians, celebrities, documentarians, and journalists highlight the built environment’s impact on greenhouse gas emissions and natural resource consumption. Other factors, including higher energy prices, increased costs of building materials, and regulatory incentives, are also pushing the green building market to grow and expand. However, barriers to green building continue to exist, including the ability to deliver a green project within acceptable cost constraints. In order for project managers to deliver sustainable construction according to clients’ cost expectations, modifications must be made to traditional project management processes and practices. The objective of this paper is to suggest specific modifications to conventional building practices to optimize the delivery of cost-efficient green building projects. This paper presents an overview of research related to the costs and trends of green building and uses these research findings to make recommendations for greening project management practices for the construction industry. Our research results show that greening project management practices can add significant value to a sustainable construction project while delivering it within acceptable cost constraints. A detailed analysis using matrix present specific adjustments to traditional project management practices, with a premise that a green project improves its chances for financial success if a cross-discipline team is involved at the earliest stages and throughout the project.

Residential energy use and conservation: Economics and demographics

2012-03-10

Dirk Brounen , Nils Kok , John M. Quigley

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Sustainability in the construction industry: A review of recent developments based on LCA

2008-02-22

Oscar Ortiz , Francesc Castells , Guido Sonnemann

Life-Cycle Assessment and the Environmental Impact of Buildings: A Review

2009-09-18

Mohamad Monkiz Khasreen , Phillip Frank Gower Banfill , Gillian Frances Menzies

Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) is one of various management tools for evaluating environmental concerns. This paper reviews LCA from a buildings perspective. It highlights the need for its use within the … Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) is one of various management tools for evaluating environmental concerns. This paper reviews LCA from a buildings perspective. It highlights the need for its use within the building sector, and the importance of LCA as a decision making support tool. It discusses LCA methodologies and applications within the building sector, reviewing some of the life-cycle studies applied to buildings or building materials and component combinations within the last fifteen years in Europe and the United States. It highlights the problems of a lack of an internationally comparable and agreed data inventory and assessment methodology which hinder the application of LCA within the building industry. It identifies key areas for future research as (i) the whole process of construction, (ii) the relative weighting of different environmental impacts and (iii) applications in developing countries.

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Developing a green building assessment tool for developing countries – Case of Jordan

2008-09-07

Hikmat H. Ali , Saba F. Al Nsairat

Design of A Sustainable Building: A Conceptual Framework for Implementing Sustainability in the Building Sector

2012-05-04

Peter Oluwole Akadiri , Ezekiel Chinyio , Paul Olomolaiye

This paper presents a conceptual framework aimed at implementing sustainability principles in the building industry. The proposed framework based on the sustainable triple bottom line principle, includes resource conservation, cost … This paper presents a conceptual framework aimed at implementing sustainability principles in the building industry. The proposed framework based on the sustainable triple bottom line principle, includes resource conservation, cost efficiency and design for human adaptation. Following a thorough literature review, each principle involving strategies and methods to be applied during the life cycle of building projects is explained and a few case studies are presented for clarity on the methods. The framework will allow design teams to have an appropriate balance between economic, social and environmental issues, changing the way construction practitioners think about the information they use when assessing building projects, thereby facilitating the sustainability of building industry.

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Energy use in the life cycle of conventional and low-energy buildings: A review article

2006-09-02

Igor Sartori , Anne Grete Hestnes

Life cycle energy and environmental performance of a new university building: modeling challenges and design implications

2003-08-08

Chris W. Scheuer , Gregory A. Keoleian , Peter Reppe

Doing Well by Doing Good? Green Office Buildings

2010-12-01

Piet Eichholtz , Nils Kok , John M. Quigley

This paper provides the first credible evidence on the economic value of “green buildings” derived from impersonal market transactions rather than engineering estimates. We analyze clusters of certified green and … This paper provides the first credible evidence on the economic value of “green buildings” derived from impersonal market transactions rather than engineering estimates. We analyze clusters of certified green and nearby buildings, establishing that “rated” buildings command substantially higher rents and selling prices than otherwise identical buildings. Variations in premiums are systematically related to energy-saving characteristics. Increased energy efficiency is associated with increased selling prices -- beyond the premiums paid for a labeled building. Evidence suggests that the intangible effects of the label itself may also play a role in determining the values of green buildings in the marketplace. (JEL G31,M14,Q52,R33)

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When to use what: Methods for weighting and aggregating sustainability indicators

2017-06-29

Xiaoyu Gan , Ignacio C. Fernández , Jie Guo +4 more

A critical comparison of green building rating systems

2017-07-08

Dat Tien Doan , Ali GhaffarianHoseini , Nicola Naismith +3 more

Critical barriers to green building technologies adoption in developing countries: The case of Ghana

2017-10-27

Albert P.C. Chan , Amos Darko , Ayokunle Olubunmi Olanipekun +1 more

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A scientometric review of global research on sustainability and sustainable development

2018-02-15

Timothy O. Olawumi , Daniel W.M. Chan

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A literature-based review on potentials and constraints in the implementation of the sustainable development goals

2018-07-11

Rodrigo Goyannes Gusm�ão Caiado , Walter Leal Filho , Osvaldo Luíz Gonçalves Quelhas +2 more

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Green Noise or Green Value? Measuring the Effects of Environmental Certification on Office Values

2010-12-01

Franz Fuerst , Patrick McAllister

This study investigates the price effects of environmental certification on commercial real estate assets. It is argued that there are likely to be three main drivers of price differences between … This study investigates the price effects of environmental certification on commercial real estate assets. It is argued that there are likely to be three main drivers of price differences between certified and noncertified buildings. These are additional occupier benefits, lower holding costs for investors and a lower risk premium. Drawing upon the CoStar database of U.S. commercial real estate assets, hedonic regression analysis is used to measure the effect of certification on both rent and price. The results suggest that, compared to buildings in the same submarkets, eco‐certified buildings have both a rental and sale price premium.

On the economics of energy labels in the housing market

2011-04-19

Dirk Brounen , Nils Kok

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Organizational responses to environmental demands: opening the black box

2008-08-04

Magali A. Delmas , Michael W. Toffel

Abstract This article combines new and old institutionalism to explain differences in organizational strategies. We propose that differences in the influence of corporate departments lead their facilities to prioritize different … Abstract This article combines new and old institutionalism to explain differences in organizational strategies. We propose that differences in the influence of corporate departments lead their facilities to prioritize different external pressures and thus adopt different management practices. Specifically, we argue that external constituents—including customers, regulators, legislators, local communities, and environmental activist organizations—who interact with influential corporate departments are more likely to affect facility managers' decisions. As a result, managers of facilities that are subjected to comparable institutional pressures adopt distinct sets of management practices that appease different external constituents. We test our framework in the context of the adoption of environmental management practices using an original survey and archival data obtained for nearly 500 facilities. We find support for these hypotheses. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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Sustainability and sustainable development: A review of principles and definitions

2021-05-03

Carlos Alberto Ruggerio

Şehir hastanelerinde enerji maliyetlerinin yönetimi: Öncelikli stratejilerin belirlenmesi

2025-06-25

Yaşar Gökalp | Nevşehir Hacı Bektaş Veli Üniversitesi SBE Dergisi

Şehir hastaneleri, yapıları gereği oldukça büyük yapılardır. Buna bağlı olarak, enerji tüketim miktarları da oldukça yüksektir. Bu hususlar, sağlık hizmetlerinin sürdürülebilirliği ve kalitesi ile doğrudan ilişkilidir. Dolayısıyla, şehir hastanelerindeki enerji … Şehir hastaneleri, yapıları gereği oldukça büyük yapılardır. Buna bağlı olarak, enerji tüketim miktarları da oldukça yüksektir. Bu hususlar, sağlık hizmetlerinin sürdürülebilirliği ve kalitesi ile doğrudan ilişkilidir. Dolayısıyla, şehir hastanelerindeki enerji tüketiminin ve maliyetlerinin yönetilmesi önemlidir. Ancak, şehir hastanelerindeki enerji tüketimini etkileyen birçok faktör bulunmaktadır. Bu faktörlerin tamamına aynı anda müdahale etmek karar verici pozisyonundakiler açısından oldukça güçtür. Bu nedenle, şehir hastanelerinde enerji maliyetlerine etki eden faktörlerin önem derecesine göre ağırlıklandırılması gerekir. Bu doğrultuda, çalışmanın amacı şehir hastanelerinde enerji maliyetlerini azaltabilmek amacıyla öncelikli stratejilerin belirlenmesidir. Literatür tabanlı olarak belirlenen 8 kriter analiz edilmiştir. Analiz p,q-SFS-AHP yöntemi ile gerçekleştirilmiştir. Belirsizliğin minimize edilebilmesi için bulanık sayılardan faydalanılmıştır. Bu sayede, daha doğru sonuçlar elde edilir. Analiz sonuçları, “Binaya yalıtım yapılarak fazla enerji tüketiminin önüne geçilmesi” kriterinin şehir hastaneleri için en önemli faktör olduğunu göstermektedir (w=0,256). Süreci etkileyen diğer önemli kriter ise “Yenilenebilir enerji alternatifleri ile enerji bağımlılığının azaltılması”dır (w=0,234). Dolayısıyla, binalara yalıtım yapılması önemli bir gerekliliktir. Ayrıca, şehir hastanelerinin kendi enerjisini üretebilir konuma gelmesi sürdürülebilirlik açısından önemlidir.

Examining electricity demand profiles to inform sustainable on-site construction practices

2025-06-24

John Hickey , Mateo Pimoult , Feng Liang +2 more | Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers - Engineering Sustainability

As the construction sector takes greater responsibility as a significant contributor to climate change, all stages of the project can deliver sustainability measures. On-site construction electricity demands are poorly understood … As the construction sector takes greater responsibility as a significant contributor to climate change, all stages of the project can deliver sustainability measures. On-site construction electricity demands are poorly understood but deserve detailed consideration in the construction life cycle. Therefore, this study aims to better understand electricity usage on construction sites. This was achieved by monitoring electricity consumption on two case study sites in Ireland. The main novelty of the work arises from the detailed submetering, which allows electricity usage to be analysed over time and across site activities. The initial key finding shows a significant baseline, or out-of-hours demand, estimated at 48% of the total electricity consumption, representing an opportunity to implement interventions to reduce demand. The first case study site presented a strong correlation ( ρ = 0.81) between hours worked and power consumption. The peak demands were associated with the building fit out and commissioning phases of project delivery. For the second site, submetering offered additional data insights, capturing the demands of site closures and contributions of tower cranes and drying rooms. The results shows how electricity consumption patterns vary during on-site construction, and provides a benchmark for future research on sustainable construction practices.

Green education’s role in advancing sustainable architectural practices

2025-06-24

Raghad Abdullah , Khawola F. Mahmoud , kossay Alahmady +1 more | Al-Qadisiyah Journal for Engineering Sciences

The world is facing significant climate challenges that demand immediate action. Sustainable practices in architecture are essential for addressing these challenges by enhancing energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting … The world is facing significant climate challenges that demand immediate action. Sustainable practices in architecture are essential for addressing these challenges by enhancing energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting environmental resilience. Green education has gained considerable attention as a means of embedding sustainability principles into architectural practices. This research identifies a critical gap in existing literature regarding the clear definition of characteristics, principles, and frameworks for green education in architecture. Through the analysis of existing curricula and prior research, this study pinpoints key trends in green education that support sustainable architectural practices. The findings reveal a variety of green education approaches, incorporating diverse tools and practical strategies essential for preparing students to effectively adopt and implement sustainable practices across different levels of architectural development. The study concluded that integrating green education into architectural curricula is essential for promoting a sustainable future. By providing students with the tools, knowledge, and values required to address complex environmental challenges, architectural education can play a key role in shaping a resilient, energy-efficient, and environmentally responsible built environment. Future research should continue to explore and refine these educational strategies, ensuring they evolve alongside the shifting demands of sustainability in architecture.

Publisher Correction: Life cycle assessment and multi-criteria decision-making for sustainable building parts: criteria, methods, and application

2025-06-24

K Theilig , Bruna Lourenço , Roland Reitberger +1 more | The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment

Challenges and Opportunities in Implementing Green Building Materials in Malaysia

2025-06-23

Aimie Peace Siganul , Surya Dewi Puspitasari | Civil and Sustainable Urban Engineering

Sustainable construction is essential for minimizing greenhouse gas emissions, reducing waste, and promoting cost efficiency. However, Malaysia faces persistent challenges in environmental management, development approval procedures, and the adoption of … Sustainable construction is essential for minimizing greenhouse gas emissions, reducing waste, and promoting cost efficiency. However, Malaysia faces persistent challenges in environmental management, development approval procedures, and the adoption of green technologies. While various studies have explored individual aspects of sustainability in construction, there remains a lack of comprehensive reviews that critically assess how regulatory frameworks, approval processes, and green technologies intersect to influence sustainable construction outcomes in the Malaysian context. This review addresses that gap by synthesizing current practices, identifying key bottlenecks, and proposing actionable strategies for improvement. It evaluates regulatory frameworks, environmental strategies, green materials, and advanced technologies that support sustainable construction. The efficiency of the development approval process including project proposals, land acquisition, planning approval, occupancy, and handover plays a crucial role in enabling sustainable outcomes. Green technologies such as renewable energy, solar power, and smart construction techniques like the Internet of Things (IoT) are examined for their potential to enhance sustainability. The review also highlights persistent gaps in cost management and regulatory enforcement. By consolidating diverse strands of knowledge, this paper contributes to a clearer understanding of systemic barriers and opportunities within Malaysia’s sustainable construction landscape, offering policy and practice recommendations to guide future progress.

A Whole-Life Carbon Assessment of a Single-Family House in North India Using BIM-LCA Integration

2025-06-23

Deepak Kumar , Kranti Kumar Maurya , Shailendra K. Mandal +4 more | Buildings

As the population increases, the growing demand for residential housing escalates construction activities, significantly impacting global warming by contributing 42% of primary energy use and 39% of global greenhouse gas … As the population increases, the growing demand for residential housing escalates construction activities, significantly impacting global warming by contributing 42% of primary energy use and 39% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This study addresses a gap in research on lifecycle assessment (LCA) for Indian residential buildings by evaluating the full cradle-to-grave carbon footprint of a typical single-family house in Northern India. A BIM-based LCA framework was applied to a 110 m2 single-family dwelling over a 60-year life span. Operational use performance and climate analysis was evaluated via cove tool. The total carbon footprint over a 60-year lifespan was approximately 5884 kg CO2e, with operational energy use accounting for about 87% and embodied carbon approximately 11%. Additional impacts came from maintenance and replacements. Energy usage was calculated as 71.76 kWh/m2/year and water usage as 232.2 m3/year. Energy consumption was the biggest driver of emissions, but substantial impacts also stemmed from material production. Cement-based components and steel were the largest embodied carbon contributors. Under the business-as-usual (BAU) scenario, the operational emissions reach approximately 668,000 kg CO2e with HVAC and 482,000 kg CO2e without HVAC. The findings highlight the necessity of integrating embodied carbon considerations alongside operational energy efficiency in India’s building codes, emphasizing reductions in energy consumption and the adoption of low-carbon materials to mitigate the environmental impact of residential buildings. Future work should focus on the dynamic modeling of electricity decarbonization, improved regional datasets, and scenario-based LCA to better support India’s transition to net-zero emissions by 2070.

Synergizing business and sustainability: integrating the SDGs into business strategies in the architecture, engineering and construction sector

2025-06-21

Alex Opoku | Management & Sustainability An Arab Review

Purpose The architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) sector and businesses in the sector are increasingly recognising the need to align business strategies with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Research has … Purpose The architecture, engineering and construction (AEC) sector and businesses in the sector are increasingly recognising the need to align business strategies with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Research has shown that integrating business strategies with SDGs can offer significant advantages to companies, such as improved competitiveness and access to untapped markets. This study examines how the AEC sector in the UAE responds to the SDGs and aligns business strategies with the SDGs. The paper also presents a conceptual framework for aligning business strategies with the SDGs. Design/methodology/approach The study adopts a mixed-method approach, combining both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Quantitative data was gathered through a survey of 116 sustainability professionals working in the UAE’s AEC sector and analysed through descriptive and inferential analyses. The qualitative method involved a content analysis of the business strategies of selected companies in the sector. Findings The results show that activities of the AEC sector can impact the achievement of the SDGs, including SDG 6 (Clean water and sanitation), SDG 7 (Affordable and clean energy), SDG 8 (Decent work and economic growth), SDG 11(Sustainable cities and communities) and SDG 13 (Climate action), demonstrating the sector’s importance towards realising the SDGs. Also, stakeholder engagement, transparent communication of sustainability performance and investment in research and development of sustainable ways of operation are significant ways of aligning business strategies with the SDGs. The cases examined indicate that companies within the UAE’s AEC sector actively align their business strategies with the SDGs. This alignment often involves incorporating goals related to environmental sustainability, gender equality and responsible consumption into core business operations. Practical implications This research advances discussions on sustainability in the literature by providing theoretical insights on how to synergise business strategies with the SDGs in the AEC sector. Practically, the framework developed from the study offers guidance to businesses in the AEC sector of the UAE on how to align operations with global sustainability standards. Policymakers, investors and customers are also guided on how to assess the commitment of businesses to sustainability. Originality/value The AEC industry could be used as a catalyst for unlocking the opportunities that the business community can harness towards a sustainable future for the UAE. The novelty of this paper lies in the valuable insights it provides to AEC sector businesses on how to align business strategies with the Sustainable Development Goals to advance sustainability in the UAE.

Transition from Technological Dominance to Total Management in Future Low-Carbon Building Industry

2025-06-21

Liyin Shen , Lingyu Zhang , Meiyue Sang +3 more | Buildings

The room for reducing carbon emissions and improving low-carbon practices in the building industry is significant. In this study, a bibliometric analysis shows that technology is the primary mechanism adopted … The room for reducing carbon emissions and improving low-carbon practices in the building industry is significant. In this study, a bibliometric analysis shows that technology is the primary mechanism adopted for driving carbon reduction in the existing practices building industry, which is conducted by using the CiteSpace 6.2.R4 tool. It is considered that there is a limitation in promoting further low-carbon practices by technological dominance without a proper management paradigm. This paper, therefore, aims to search for a new management paradigm in order to help further reduce emissions in the building industry. This study adopts an innovative synergy theory to explain the mechanism by which the efforts of all management dimensions can be synergized to promote low-carbon practices in the building sector. Consequently, the outcome of this paper is the introduction of a total low-carbon management (TLCM) paradigm. Synergy theory supports our assertion that a joint force can be formed within the building industry system to drive TLCM practice, as all building-related elements (government departments, building organizations, building personnel, building activities, and building processes) in the system will have to follow the government’s actions towards low-carbon practices. The TLCM paradigm is integrated by five components: whole regulation, whole industry, whole enterprise, whole staff, and whole process. The new paradigm should be promoted to replace the existing technology-dominated paradigm in order to achieve low-carbon practices in the building industry. The TLCM paradigm will guide low-carbon management decisions and practices across all phases of the building project’s lifecycle, together with integrating quality and risk management.

Simulation Analysis of the Three-Party Evolutionary Game of Green Housing Market Stakeholders Under Low-Carbon Policies

2025-06-20

Zhenxu Guo , Qinge Wang , Rumeng Zhang +1 more | Sustainability

As an important part of green building, green housing (GH) has become a strategic priority in many countries. However, the market share of GH remains limited due to conflicting interests … As an important part of green building, green housing (GH) has become a strategic priority in many countries. However, the market share of GH remains limited due to conflicting interests and divergent strategic choices among stakeholders. To address this challenge, various low-carbon policy tools, such as financial subsidies (FS), carbon taxes (CT), and carbon emissions trading (CET), have been introduced. Despite these efforts, the influence of low-carbon policies on stakeholders’ strategies remains inadequately understood. This study aims to bridge this research gap by constructing an evolutionary game model that incorporates the government, developers, and consumers while considering relevant policy factors. The model identifies evolutionary stable strategies (ESS) for each stakeholder. Then, based on MATLAB 2021b, several simulations are carried out for initial, development, mature, and stable stage. The simulation results show the dynamic changes in stakeholder behavior over time. This study also analyzes how key parameters affect the system’s evolution and puts forward suggestions from each stakeholder’s perspective. The results show that (1) consumer subsidies are more effective than those for developers. (2) Subsidies for developers cause more significant financial pressure on governments than subsidies for consumers. (3) The CET policy helps developers adopt GH more quickly. (4) Proper CT promotes developers to make greener choices. (5) Reducing the difference between green and traditional housing supports the stable development of the GHM. This study offers theoretical insights to guide stakeholder decision-making and provides practical recommendations for government aiming to play a role in fostering GHM development.

Smart Technologies for Socioeconomic Sustainability in Urban Housing: A Southeast Asian Perspective

2025-06-20

Nor Suzylah Sohaimi , Muhammad Hafiz Abd Razak , Mohd Syahril Said +2 more | Journal of Contemporary Urban Affairs

Rapid urbanisation across Southeast Asia intensifies the demand for housing that is simultaneously affordable, sustainable, and socially inclusive. This study investigates how smart technologies—Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things devices (IoT), … Rapid urbanisation across Southeast Asia intensifies the demand for housing that is simultaneously affordable, sustainable, and socially inclusive. This study investigates how smart technologies—Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things devices (IoT), Building Information Modelling, and passive cooling innovations—can advance socioeconomic sustainability in urban housing. A three-phase methodology combined a scientometric analysis of 454 Scopus-indexed papers, a systematic literature review of eight rigorously screened studies, and a qualitative content analysis of practice-based sources. The scientometric mapping reveals growing scholarly attention to energy efficiency and climate resilience, yet affordability and social equity remain peripheral themes. Evidence from Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand shows that smart sensors, digital simulations, and value-management frameworks can reduce cooling energy by up to 18,000 kWh annually, cut construction costs, and enhance thermal comfort in low-income settings. However, adoption is uneven owing to high capital costs, limited policy incentives, and skills gaps. The study proposes an integrated framework linking environmental performance, housing affordability, and social inclusion through appropriate digital tools. Policymakers and urban planners are urged to embed financing mechanisms, capacity-building, and participatory design into housing programmes to mainstream technology-enabled, equitable sustainability across the region within the next decade.

Strategies for the implementation of net zero energy buildings in the Ghanaian construction industry

2025-06-20

Samuel Oduro , Hayford Pittri , Benjamin Baah +4 more | Built Environment Project and Asset Management

Purpose Despite the current attention on net zero energy buildings (NZEBs) and the renewable energy potential of developing economies, their potential in developing economies remains underutilized. This untapped opportunity is … Purpose Despite the current attention on net zero energy buildings (NZEBs) and the renewable energy potential of developing economies, their potential in developing economies remains underutilized. This untapped opportunity is largely attributed to a lack of knowledge regarding effective NZEB implementation strategies. Therefore, this study investigates the strategies for the implementation of NZEBs in a developing economy. Design/methodology/approach The study used a mixed-methods approach, conducting a quantitative survey among 120 construction professionals and semi-structured interviews with 10 NZEB experts to develop a conceptual framework for NZEBs implementation in the Ghanaian construction industry (GCI). The quantitative data collected were analysed using mean scores, standard deviation, one-sample t -test and normalisation value (NV) test. The qualitative results were thematically analysed and compared with the quantitative findings to validate and enrich the interpretation through detailed insights from interviewees. Findings The findings highlighted seven key strategies critical to NZEB implementation in the GCI: creation of NZEB awareness among design professionals and contractors; academic institutions’ intervention; government promotion of NZEB awareness; specialist training in renewable energy technologies; educating building owners about energy-saving benefits; ensuring adequate experts for NZEB quality assurance and publicizing the health benefits of NZEBs. Originality/value The findings of this study shed light on a relatively under-reported area within the built environment of a developing country, particularly Ghana. This offers insights and contributes new and supplementary knowledge on strategies for implementing NZEBs.

The Next Frontier of Green Building Certifications: Evaluating the Future of LEED, BREEAM and WELL Standards

2025-06-20

Hasibullah Khan , Sher Zaman Safi | Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences Technology

Green building certifications have become a cornerstone in sustainable architecture and urban planning. As environmental concerns escalate and regulatory frameworks evolve, certification systems such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental … Green building certifications have become a cornerstone in sustainable architecture and urban planning. As environmental concerns escalate and regulatory frameworks evolve, certification systems such as Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM), and WELL Building Standard are adapting to new challenges. This study evaluates the current impact, limitations, and future trends of these certification programs. It explores emerging factors such as climate resilience, digital integration, and holistic sustainability to forecast how green building certifications will evolve in the coming decades.

Identifying the Adherence of Steel Frames to the Circular Economy: An Approach to Sustainable Construction

2025-06-20

Marco Antonio Portugal | Circular Economy and Sustainability

Developing a sustainability-driven risk management framework for green building projects: A literature review

2025-06-20

Mohamed Elseknidy , M.K.S. Al-Mhdawi , Abroon Qazi +3 more | Journal of Cleaner Production

Machine Learning for Predicting Environmental Impact in Green Buildings: A Systematic Review

2025-06-20

Aleke Christiana Ukamaka , Adepeju Nafisat Sanusi , Joshua Babatunde Asere +1 more | Asian Journal of Geographical Research

The construction industry significantly contributes to global environmental challenges, accounting for approximately 40% of global energy consumption and 36% of CO2 emissions. Green building practices have emerged as a critical … The construction industry significantly contributes to global environmental challenges, accounting for approximately 40% of global energy consumption and 36% of CO2 emissions. Green building practices have emerged as a critical solution, yet accurately predicting their environmental impact remains challenging. This systematic review examines the application of machine learning (ML) techniques for predicting environmental impacts in green buildings. A comprehensive literature search identified 32 relevant studies published between 2018-2024, focusing on energy consumption prediction, carbon footprint assessment, indoor environmental quality, and lifecycle impact analysis. The findings reveal that ensemble methods, deep learning algorithms, and hybrid models demonstrate superior performance in predicting various environmental metrics. Random Forest, Support Vector Machines, and Artificial Neural Networks emerged as the most frequently employed techniques, achieving accuracy rates exceeding 80% in energy consumption predictions. Key challenges include data quality, model interpretability, and integration with building information modeling systems. This review provides insights for researchers, practitioners, and policymakers seeking to leverage ML for sustainable building design and operation.

A INFLUÊNCIA DA SUSTENTABILIDADE NA ANÁLISE DE ESTRUTURAS

2025-06-20

Diogo Rafael Couceiro Pascoal , João Paulo Gouveia | Revista Contemporânea

A crescente consciencialização ambiental e a necessidade de mitigar os impactos negativos da construção civil impulsionaram a integração dos princípios da sustentabilidade na prática da engenharia estrutural. Este artigo de … A crescente consciencialização ambiental e a necessidade de mitigar os impactos negativos da construção civil impulsionaram a integração dos princípios da sustentabilidade na prática da engenharia estrutural. Este artigo de revisão científica analisa de forma aprofundada a interseção entre a sustentabilidade e a análise de estruturas, destacando como esta integração altera significativamente os critérios de conceção e dimensionamento estrutural. O estudo aborda os fundamentos da sustentabilidade – baseados nos pilares ambiental, económico e social – e relaciona-os com os objetivos técnicos da engenharia estrutural, tradicionalmente focada na segurança, estabilidade e durabilidade. São exploradas as metodologias e ferramentas mais atuais, como a Análise do Ciclo de Vida (ACV), os indicadores de carbono incorporado e os modelos multicritério que combinam desempenho mecânico com impacto ambiental. A investigação contempla ainda o papel dos materiais de baixo impacto, como o betão reciclado, os aços reutilizados e a madeira engenheirada, evidenciando o seu potencial na redução da pegada ecológica das estruturas. O artigo discute também a importância do apoio da legislação europeia e nacional e a incorporação destes princípios no ensino e na formação contínua dos engenheiros civis. Conclui-se que a sustentabilidade deixou de ser um elemento acessório e passou a constituir uma dimensão fundamental na análise estrutural contemporânea. Este novo paradigma exige competências técnicas alargadas, visão sistémica e compromisso ético, posicionando o engenheiro estrutural como agente ativo na transição para uma construção mais resiliente, eficiente e ambientalmente responsável.

A Multi-Criteria Framework for Economic Decision Support in Urban Sustainability: Comparative Insights from European Cities

2025-06-20

Emre Kadir Özekenci | International Journal of Economic Sciences

Sustainable urban development has become an economic imperative as cities grapple with escalating environmental, social, and financial pressures. This study evaluates the economic performance and fiscal sustainability of European capitals—Stockholm, … Sustainable urban development has become an economic imperative as cities grapple with escalating environmental, social, and financial pressures. This study evaluates the economic performance and fiscal sustainability of European capitals—Stockholm, Oslo, Copenhagen, Lahti, London, Berlin, Madrid, Paris, Amsterdam, and İstanbul—through a robust Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) framework. The analysis incorporates twelve key indicators that reflect not only environmental resilience but also resource efficiency, infrastructure investment, and the economic viability of sustainability policies. These include Scope 1 Emissions, Consumption-Based GHG Emissions, Particulate Air Pollution, Open Public Space, Road Infrastructure Efficiency, Sustainable Transport, Vehicle Dependence, Water Access, Water Consumption, Solid Waste Generated, Climate Change Resilience, and Sustainable Policy Implementation. A hybrid MCDM model combining MEREC-based RAWEC with Extended AROMAN and MARA methods was applied. The MEREC method was used to derive economically weighted priorities among criteria, while final rankings were aggregated using RAWEC, Extended AROMAN, MARA, and Borda Count methods. Results identified Scope 1 emissions as the most economically impactful criterion, while particulate air pollution had a lower fiscal weighting. Cities such as Stockholm, Oslo, and Copenhagen consistently emerged as top performers due to their cost-effective and forward-looking urban sustainability policies. In contrast, Paris, İstanbul, and Amsterdam demonstrated lower cost-efficiency scores. Sensitivity analysis further validated the model's reliability. This framework not only supports environmental assessment but also informs economic decision-making by guiding policymakers toward fiscally responsible and sustainable urban planning strategies.

Human Toxicity of Building Materials and the Application of the Taxonomy Principle in Green Public Procurement: The Life Cycle Assessment as a Tool

2025-06-20

Belén Rey-Álvarez , Benito Sánchez-Montañés , Matt Roberts +1 more | Circular Economy and Sustainability

Abstract The construction sector is a major contributor to global environmental impacts, but current sustainability assessments often overlook the human health risks posed by toxic building materials. While Life Cycle … Abstract The construction sector is a major contributor to global environmental impacts, but current sustainability assessments often overlook the human health risks posed by toxic building materials. While Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Green Public Procurement (GPP) aim to reduce Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, the integration of material toxicity metrics remains fragmented, undermining holistic sustainability goals. Building materials release hazardous substances throughout their lifecycle, affecting indoor air quality, public health, and ecosystems. However, regulatory frameworks and LCA methodologies prioritise carbon emissions, leaving toxicity under-assessed and unregulated in most policies. Here, we show that persistent gaps in standardised toxicity data, inconsistent application of European (EU) taxonomy principles, and disparities in GPP criteria across member states hinder effective mitigation of toxicological risks. By analysing more than 150 studies and EU procurement practices, we demonstrate that only a few LCA studies integrate toxicity metrics and fewer than 10% of public projects align with the European principle of'Do not significantly harm'. Our findings reveal that harmonising toxicity thresholds in LCA databases, mandating quantitative criteria in GPP, and expanding circular economy strategies could bridge these gaps. This study establishes a direct link between material toxicity and regulatory fragmentation, advocating for policies that equally prioritise toxicity reduction and decarbonisation. These insights underscore the urgency of aligning EU sustainability frameworks with health-centric metrics, ensuring public investments foster safer, biocompatible materials. By redefining procurement standards and advancing interdisciplinary collaboration, this work provides a roadmap for transforming construction practices, safeguarding both environmental integrity and human health.

Reducing the Environmental Footprint of Urban Housing in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Case Study of Cameroon

2025-06-19

Modeste Kameni Nematchoua , M. Marie | Buildings

This study presents a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of the NENGOUE residence, a multi-occupancy building located in Yaoundé, Cameroon, over an 80-year lifespan. The analysis encompasses four life cycle … This study presents a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of the NENGOUE residence, a multi-occupancy building located in Yaoundé, Cameroon, over an 80-year lifespan. The analysis encompasses four life cycle phases—construction, use, renovation, and deconstruction—and evaluates twelve environmental impact categories. The results reveal that the use phase contributes overwhelmingly to environmental burdens, accounting for over 96% of total impacts. To mitigate this dominance, two alternative scenarios were assessed: a sustainable transport model and the integration of a photovoltaic system. In the first scenario, environmentally friendly commuting strategies, such as increased walking, cycling, and public transport, led to a 17.10% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In the second, rooftop photovoltaics offset 69.29% of the building’s electricity needs, resulting in a 26.72% GHG reduction. A third, combined scenario demonstrated the highest environmental gains, achieving a 42.97% reduction in GHG emissions, alongside substantial improvements across other impact categories, including acidification (−38.4%), cumulative energy demand (−28.3%), and photochemical ozone formation (−40.18%). In addition to the environmental benefits, the study highlights the importance of considering social acceptance, behavioral change, and economic feasibility for real-world implementation. The willingness of residents to adopt sustainable mobility practices, cultural preferences, safety concerns, and the initial cost barriers associated with photovoltaic technology are identified as critical factors. These findings underscore the need for integrated strategies that combine technological innovation with inclusive urban planning and stakeholder engagement. The proposed approach demonstrates that aligning environmental measures with local socio-economic realities can significantly enhance the sustainability of residential buildings, contributing meaningfully to climate change mitigation in Sub-Saharan African cities.

Multi-objective optimization of residential building design: Enhancing sustainability through adaptive strategies

2025-06-19

Tianxin Li , Florence Yean Yng Ling , Zhongfu Li +1 more | Environmental Impact Assessment Review

Livestock Buildings in a Changing World: Building Sustainability Challenges and Landscape Integration Management

2025-06-19

Daniela Isola , Stefano Bigiotti , Alvaro Marucci | Sustainability

The awareness of global warming has boosted research on methods to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Livestock buildings, although essential for food production, represent a sustainability challenge … The awareness of global warming has boosted research on methods to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Livestock buildings, although essential for food production, represent a sustainability challenge due to their high maintenance energy costs, GHG emissions, and impact on the environment and rural landscapes. Since the environment, cultural heritage, and community identity deserve protection, research trends and current knowledge on livestock buildings, building sustainability, energy efficiency strategies, and landscape management were investigated using the Web of Science and Scopus search tools (2005–2025). Research on these topics was found to be uneven, with limited focus on livestock buildings compared to food production and animal welfare, and significant interest in eco-sustainable building materials. A total of 96 articles were selected after evaluating over 5400 records. The analysis revealed a lack of universally accepted definitions for building design strategies and their rare application to livestock facilities, where passive solutions and insulation prevailed. The application of renewable energy was rare and limited to rural buildings, as was the application of sustainable building materials to livestock, agriculture, and vernacular buildings. Conversely, increased attention was paid to the definition and classification of vernacular architecture features aimed at enhancing existing buildings and mitigating or facilitating the landscape integration of those that diverge most from them. Although not exhaustive, this review identified some knowledge gaps. More efforts are needed to reduce environmental impacts and meet the milestones set by international agreements. Research on building materials could benefit from collaboration with experts in cultural heritage conservation because of their command of traditional materials, durability-enhancing methods, and biodeterioration.

Assessing the Potential for Green Infrastructure: A Sustainable Approach to Urban Development, A Case Study of Khargone, Madhya Pradesh

2025-06-19

Shriyansh Arney | International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR)

Redefining Minimalism in Housing: Introducing the M1-13 Evaluation Framework via NLP and Multi-Scale Criteria

2025-06-18

Duygu Yıldız , İlkim Markoç | Sürdürülebilir Mühendislik Uygulamaları ve Teknolojik Gelişmeler Dergisi

This study redefines architectural minimalism in contemporary housing not as a visual trend, but as a strategic and multi-layered design approach. It highlights how minimalism can support project efficiency, enhance … This study redefines architectural minimalism in contemporary housing not as a visual trend, but as a strategic and multi-layered design approach. It highlights how minimalism can support project efficiency, enhance user satisfaction, and maintain cultural continuity throughout the entire life cycle of housing projects. In this context, the “M1-M13 Minimalist Housing Design Criteria” have been developed to extend beyond the formal dimensions of minimalism and enable the evaluation of design processes within a measurable, comparable, and data-driven framework. For example, M2 relates to user well-being, M5 to energy efficiency, and M10 to modular construction. The architectural narratives of seven housing projects from the U.S., U.K., Canada, India, and Portugal were analyzed using Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques. Natural Language Processing (NLP) methods were used to analyze architectural texts, helping identify how frequently and deeply specific design themes, such as flexibility or sustainability, are emphasized in project descriptions. The study utilized Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques, including Bag of Words (BoW), Term Frequency-Inverse Document Frequency (TF-IDF), and conceptual keyword matching, to analyze a text corpus of approximately 1500-2000 words per project. These techniques identified how often and how deeply specific design themes appeared in the texts. Thematic densities were then mapped to the M1-M13 criteria using predefined keyword clusters, and each project was scored on a 0-6 scale for comparative visualization. The findings indicate that UDAAN and Platforms for Life exhibit high representation particularly in criteria such as modular construction, functional flexibility, and technical simplicity. In contrast, Adro and Park Hill demonstrate strong cultural contextuality, but limited technical efficiency. Moreover, several projects showed low levels of representation in socially sustainable criteria such as transparency in design, ease of intervention, and cultural continuity. Theoretical contributions of this study argue that minimalism cannot be defined solely by the principle of “less” but must be reconsidered as the expression of simplified, multi-dimensional decision-making strategies. At the methodological level, the study utilizes the analytical potential of natural language processing techniques, rarely employed in architectural research, to evaluate architectural narratives through a data-based approach, thereby enhancing the objectivity of architectural critique. Practically, the M1-M13 criteria serve as an applicable, modular, and replicable decision support tool for architectural education, design competitions, public housing policies, and sustainable urbanization strategies.

Türkiye’de Yeşil Bina Sertifikasyonu: LEED Verileri Üzerinden Bir Değerlendirme

2025-06-18

Sadik Akşar | Sürdürülebilir Mühendislik Uygulamaları ve Teknolojik Gelişmeler Dergisi

Yeşil bina kavramı, 20. yüzyılın sonlarından itibaren çevresel sürdürülebilirlik kaygılarının artmasıyla birlikte önem kazanmış ve enerji verimliliği, su tasarrufu, malzeme seçimi ve iç mekân kalitesi gibi unsurları içeren bir tasarım … Yeşil bina kavramı, 20. yüzyılın sonlarından itibaren çevresel sürdürülebilirlik kaygılarının artmasıyla birlikte önem kazanmış ve enerji verimliliği, su tasarrufu, malzeme seçimi ve iç mekân kalitesi gibi unsurları içeren bir tasarım anlayışına dönüşmüştür. Bu bağlamda, bina sektöründe çevresel performansı değerlendirmek amacıyla çeşitli sertifikasyon sistemleri geliştirilmiştir. Çalışmada, küresel ölçekte yaygın olarak benimsenmiş olması ve Türkiye’de en sık kullanılan sistem olması nedeniyle LEED sertifikasyonu ele alınmıştır. Bu araştırma, Türkiye’deki LEED sertifikalı binaların sayısını ve dağılımını küresel veriler ışığında inceleyerek, ülkenin mevcut konumunu belirlemeyi amaçlamaktadır. Çalışmada, USGBC tarafından yayımlanan Mart 2025 verileri temel alınarak, bina tipleri, sertifika seviyeleri ve dağılım analizleri yapılmıştır. Bulgular, Türkiye’de LEED sertifikalı yapıların büyük ölçüde ticari yapılarla sınırlı kaldığını ve üst seviyeli sertifikaların nispeten düşük oranlarda alındığını göstermektedir. Sonuç olarak, Türkiye’nin sürdürülebilir bina sertifikasyonu alanında gelişim gösterebilmesi için teşvik mekanizmalarının güçlendirilmesi, sertifikasyon süreçlerinin daha erişilebilir hale getirilmesi ve yenilenebilir enerji sistemlerinin entegrasyonunun artırılması gerekmektedir. Bu adımlar, Türkiye’nin küresel yeşil bina standartlarıyla uyumunu güçlendirecektir.

Development and Demonstration of the Operational Sustainability Index (OPSi): A Multidimensional Metric for Building Performance Evaluation

2025-06-18

Oluwafemi Awolesi , Margaret Reams | Buildings

In promoting sustainable cities and societies, accelerating the shift from sustainable building design to sustainable building operations is essential. A persistent challenge lies in the absence of a unified, multidimensional … In promoting sustainable cities and societies, accelerating the shift from sustainable building design to sustainable building operations is essential. A persistent challenge lies in the absence of a unified, multidimensional metric that enables meaningful performance comparisons across buildings of similar types and functions, both regionally and globally. This study develops and demonstrates the operational sustainability index (OPSi)—a novel metric grounded in case study research that integrates indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and energy utility quality (EUQ). OPSi is applied to six buildings in three comparative cases: (1) LEED-certified and non-certified dormitories, (2) LEED-certified and non-certified event buildings, and (3) male- and female-occupied multifamily housing units. Results show that the LEED-certified dormitory underperformed in two of five OPSi variants compared to its non-certified counterpart despite achieving up to 18% higher objective IEQ performance. The LEED-certified event building outperformed its non-certified counterpart across all OPSi metrics, with up to 88% higher objective IEQ scores. Findings also include higher energy performance in male-occupied housing units than in female-occupied ones, highlighting behavioral differences worthy of future study. This research addresses longstanding criticisms of green certification systems—particularly their limited capacity to holistically measure post-certification operational performance—by offering a practical and scalable evaluation framework. OPSi aligns with global sustainability goals, including SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), and supports smart, data-driven decision-making. Future applications may extend OPSi to include carbon life cycle assessment and maintenance metrics to further strengthen building sustainability in urban contexts.