Twentieth International Conference on Environmental, Cultural, Economic & Social Sustainability

Abstract

This research delves into the concept of sustainability within the built environment, exploring its significance and the challenges it faces in the construction industry. By discussing the ‘three pillars of sustainability’—environmental, economic, and social—it analyzes their interconnectedness and the necessity of balancing these elements in building design and construction. The study critically evaluates government efforts in enforcing sustainability through legislation and explores various methods to quantify, assess, and monitor sustainability in construction, highlighting both quantitative and qualitative measures. It compares bottom-up and top-down approaches, examining how these strategies influence the industry’s environmental impact. Furthermore, the study compares industry-standard building-level environmental assessment methods, evaluating their effectiveness in reducing a building’s environmental footprint and responding to diverse environmental concerns. The research concludes with a practical application, assessing the environmental performance of a specific building using an established assessment method and comparing it with similar structures to understand how these evaluations can enhance overall sustainability in the construction sector.