Realisation of Sustainability within the Life Cycle of Construction
The aim of the study was to determine a framework of interventions for the realisation of sustainability within the life cycle of construction. The quantitative method was adopted for the study, which entailed the completion of a self-administered questionnaire by a range of built environment professionals in the employ of parastatals, general contractors, municipalities, and consulting practices.
Findings include: sustainability and environment are ranked fifth and seventh in terms of the importance of seven project parameters; prefabrication promotes health and safety, and sustainability; innovative construction methods reduce waste and promote sustainability; designers lack the competencies to conduct design hazard identification and risk assessment (HIRA); life cycle cost analysis and value engineering promote sustainability to a degree, and it is important to consider and promote sustainability during all six stages of projects.
Conclusions include: cost and quality still predominate in terms of the importance of project parameters; prefabricated structures and components promote sustainability; innovative construction methods produce less waste, are cost effective, and promote sustainability; designers are not empowered to conduct HIRA; life cycle cost analysis and value engineering focus on cost saving as opposed to promoting sustainability, and sustainability should be considered during each stage of projects.
Recommendations include: all project parameters should be afforded equal status during the life cycle of projects; innovative materials and construction methods should be considered; life cycle cost analysis and value engineering should be integrated within the project life cycle assessment; health and safety and sustainability should be embedded in tertiary built environmental programmes, and professional associations and statutory councils should evolve and / or promote environmental continuing professional development (CPD).
