Literature Review on Sustainable Construction

literary work Review on sustainable Construction books ReviewLiterature criticism consists of providing the author knowledge about the research argona that is be undertaken. It shows what authors have to say about the research area and to criticise works done previously, this is to be related to the topic area and to mention the exchange subject areas as part of the scattery. According to Dr S.G. Naoum (2007) there are quint master(prenominal) activities have-to doe with in undertaking a lit review intimate the sources of information.Understanding how the library works.Collecting existing knowledge on the subject, interpret and note-taking.Systematically organising the literature.Appraising and writing up the literature review.The literature review is conducted finished primary and secondary research. Research give notice be conducted by using textbooks, journals, newspapers, magazines and web localizes and overmuchively on-line databases. Following structured and e xtensive literature reviews, key issues to sustainable body structure and bend SMEs studied which takings in identification of barriers associated with implementing sustainable look by SME contractors. Such barriers are change integrity into six categories. These are address, time, people, engine room, market and law.The literature review is two reveal topics of sustainable construction and construction SMEs. Both topics provide the author with in depth knowledge about development and issues concerning sustainable construction, as well as the nature and characteristics of construction SMEs and their approaches to construction innovations. Combining the understanding and knowledge from both perspectives, the author carry out deeper exploration into the barriers faced by the construction SMEs in implementing sustainable construction techniques and practices.The barriers found in the literature are categorized under 6 key barriers of cost, time, people, technology, market and law. These pull up stakes form main questions in primary research.Sustainable Construction in spite of appearance the UK construction industry, the concept of sustainable construction has emerged as a result of growing concerns on the environmental and social impacts created by the construction activities. By definition, sustainable construction is (Khalfan, M.M.A, 2002 15)The creation and responsible counselling of healthy strengthened environment based on resources efficient and ecological principles.In general, sustainable construction is personad to describe the application of sustainable development at heart the context of the built environment. The discussion and practise around sustainable construction often focus on the efficient processes of construction, determination of materials, availability of technology and other technical side, which does not compromise the health of the environment or the associated health of the mental synthesis occupants, builders, the gene ral public or future generations (Rhydin, Y. Vandergert, P, 2006 5)The soprano Bottom Line of Sustainable ConstructionIt is important to acknowledge and identify the other aspects of sustainable construction. As a whole, sustainable construction comprises of collar broad themes of people, planet and profit often known as the trey bottom line.The objectives of these three themes are (Constructing Excellence, 2004)PeopleTo recognise the needs of everyone squeeze by construction, from inception of a project to devastation. The list involves construction put workers, local communities, the supply chain and people that willing use the consummate product.PlanetTo protect the planet from the impact of emissions and devour matter and where possible, to set up it and use natural resources, care uprighty.ProfitTo increase lucrativeness by reservation more efficient use of resources including labour, materials, brawn and irrigate.(Source http//www.gcbl.org/economy)Sustainable construction takes notice of these objectives in a balanced way at all stages of a construction project. However, within the context of this research, emphasis will be attached the environmental aspect of sustainable construction, at ware/construction phase.Strategies and Drivers for Sustainable ConstructionStrategies for sustainable ConstructionThere are many compulsive strategies as well as voluntary. These are aimed to encourage and enforce sustainable construction practices in the construction industry. One of the earliest strategies for changes in the construction industry has started with the offspring of Rethinking Construction in July 1998, which is famously known as The Egan Report. This report has criticised the under-achievement of the construction industry and hence, has urged for changes and improvements in delivering construction projects.Following the Egan Report, the UK regime has ten an initiative in promoting sustainable construction through the payoff of B uilding A Better Quality of Life publish by DETR in 2000. Within the offspring, the regime has suggested the following key themes for action on sustainable construction strategies by the construction industryRe-use existing building assets. public figure for minimum down.Aim for lean construction.Minimise vigor in construction.Minimise energy in use.Do not pollute.Preserve and raise biodiversity.Conserve water resources.Respect people and local environment.Set targets (i.e. monitor and report, in order to benchmark performance)Later in March 2005, the g overnment has further emphasised its commitment towards sustainable construction through the publication of Sustainable Development Strategy, Securing the Future. As a substitute to the previous strategy, this publication has proposed four key themes for action, as followsSustainable communities.Natural resources safeguard and environmental enhancement.Climate change and energy.Sustainable consumption and production.Drivers f or Sustainable ConstructionIn promoting and encouraging the take up of sustainable construction, the UK Government has introduced more hard-boiled legislation and economic policies much(prenominal) as Revision to Building decree Part L, Landfill Tax, Quarry Tax, Aggregate Levy and Climate Change Levy. It has been acknowledge that legislation is the main driver for change towards sustainable construction. However, there are also other drivers, which play signifi spatet roles as well. These other drivers include (Vetter, A et al, 2006 DBA, 2002)Improved technologyThe new technology and innovation much(prenominal) as Modern Method of Construction and Lean Construction could bye a lot of benefits such as increase speed of construction, cost savings and better delivery of products and services.Requirements from funding bodiesFunding bodies are move more stress on the risks associated with unsustainable development. The risks will affect future profitability and shareholder value. Business advantageIn highly competitive field, sustainability is fair a potent differentiator, capable of providing a vital competitive edge. on-the-spot(prenominal) Practices for Sustainable ConstructionWith regards to the activities on construction grade, there are five main practices of environmental sustainable construction that need to be address carefully. The construction team must understand and implement these practices throughout the construction phase in order to achieve the objectives and benefits of sustainable construction. These practices are gas heed, energy consumption efficiency, water consumption/efficiency, use and procurement of materials, and protection of natural environment (biodiversity/ecosystem). mishandle ManagementIn 2001, construction berth and demolition gaga in Britain was 94 one million million tonnes (24% of all waste generated). Each year there are around 13 million tonnes of materials that are delivered to site but never apply. (Constructi ng Excellence, 2004 2). Considering these facts, waste management on-the-scene(prenominal) is extremely important to minimising the waste produced on the construction site. The first measuring required is to segregate or disunite the waste, as it is being produced. The nigh step is to recycle or reuse the waste or alternatively, the waste john be sent or sold to waste management centre to be recycled ore reused for other applications. At the same time, waste payable to materials that arent being used and packaging squirt be slide byed to the suppliers through buy policy.Waste SegregationAn telling way to deal with waste is to separate it at the point it is generated. This eases separation for recycling and is therefore more worthy to the merchants of recycled materials. Waste can be segregated into different skips under categories of plasterboard, plastic, timber, artificial stones bricks and slates can be recycled for use in construction. Wood materials such as off-cuts can be reused as woodchip for place downscaping or in stud walls. Similarly, substances such as debris, rubble and earth can be reused for land reclamation and site formation. Perry (2003) argues that waste segregation upholds to make sure that dower is high of recycled materials and saves money, also provides a greater return. The increased rate of return virtually always offsets the higher cost of training and labour involved in on-site waste segregation.Waste Recycling and ReusingConstruction waste can be derogated by avoiding making waste, reusing waste without reprocessing and recycling materials. (WRAP) Waste and Resources Action Programme advises that up to 30% recycling and reusing can be achieved in construction, at no additional cost for some projects. (Kent Design Guide, 2006). Re-used and recycled materials during construction include aggregates, insulation, plasterboards bricks, concrete roof tiles, particleboard blocks and reclaim timber. The most effective recycl ing opportunity of materials can be derived from the re-use of the existing site basis element where possible. These include materials that are salvaged from existing construction or demolition job such as steel and concrete.Meanwhile, other waste such as timber, cardboard, paper and also green waste can be composed within a recycling area on-site. The compost produced can be used to enhance topsoil suitability for use within the landscaping. Wood chipping mulch produced from timber pallets. Also off-cuts and topsoil can also be re-used when possible within the landscaping to further minimise waste.Purchasing Policy with SuppliersIntegration collaboration with suppliers can help to minimise waste through purchasing policy. Unused materials and waste from packaging can be returned to the suppliers to be reused or recycled. The adoption of (JIT) Just-in-Time delivery will also contribute to minimise waste this is because so materials are ordered and delivered to demand. This will av oid waste resulting from unused materials and improper handling/storage.Energy diminution/EfficiencyEnergy consumed on construction site is mainly for site services such as the site office and site fervours, use of plain, machineries and equipment also transportation mainly for materials delivery to and from the site. tailor Energy use for Site ServicesIn order to reduce the energy bills for site services especially for site office and site lighting, more energy efficient approach methods are encouraged. This includes using energy efficient lighting and heating equipments, as well as the monitoring and controlling the energy use according to requirements.Maximise Efficiency of Plant, Equipments and MachineriesPlant, equipment and machineries used on-site should be chosen for their high energy efficiency. Through good site management and construction planning, sharing of plant, machineries and equipment among subcontractors and site workers can be achieved. This will help to reduc e energy as well as construction costs.Reduce Transportation for Materials DeliveryTransportation accounts for 25% of UK CO2 emissions and about 10% of national energy consumption us used in the production and transport of construction products and materials. Two ways of reducing transportation used in construction is through local sourcing for materials with other suppliers and efficient deliveries. issue of materials delivered to site should be reduced by making sure that full vehicle loads are achieved through sharing deliveries. Sourcing materials and labour topically will also help to reduce transportation and bring cost and time savings as well. (Constructing Excellence, 2004). At the same time, reusing demolition waste and materials can help to reduce transportation and hence reduce costs and pollution.Water Conservation/minimisation utilize of water on-site can be reduced through application of water conservation techniques and wry Construction methods.Water ConservationAcc ording to Kibert (2005), techniques such as the use of low-flow plumbing fixtures, water recycling, rain water harvesting and potable water can help to minimise the use of water. Water used for workers hygienics and sanitary can also be reduced efficiently through systems such as cistern misers which is boiler collecting water and water board Hippo for urinal flushes. These techniques have been used successfully during the construction of Princess Margaret hospital in Swindon.Dry ConstructionThe most effective method for ironical construction is to use Modern Method of Construction such as pre-fabricated cladding systems and pre-manufactured units (e.g. bathroom and kitchen pods). Innovative techniques under Lean construction such as using ready mix cement/concrete and ironical plaster linings can also contribute to minimising water used on-site.Use and Procurement of Construction Materials and ComponentsMaterials in construction make up over half of all resource use by weight. A sustainability issue gaining momentum in construction industry therefore, is the use of reclaimed and recycled materials. Pressures on landfill also mean it is becoming increasingly costly to dispose of excess material acquire in construction.