A dynamic hypothesis of sustainable construction for condominium project in the developing countries

Abstract

Developing countries are currently experiencing rapid urbanization due to economic growth which resulted in large scale of residential constructions including condominium. Despite its contribution to the society welfare, condominium projects also create significant negative impacts on the environment through the consumption of non- renewable resources. Various methods, technologies as well as regulations have been employed to overcome the problem. However, the efforts to reduce the impacts, improve resource efficiency and promote sustainable construction were challenged by the fact that adopting sustainability will increase costs during investment phase, which is the main concern of most investors. In that respect, this paper was aimed to develop a dynamic hypothesis of sustainable construction which might be applicable for condominium project in developing countries, using a case study in Surabaya, Indonesia. System dynamic modelling was utilized to analyze the interrelationship among the controlling variables that influence system behavior of sustainable construction and project cost over a certain period. Variables were selected from previous literatures relevant to sustainable construction aspects. A questionnaire was then designed to collect experts' perception on the influencing factors to sustainability in condominium projects. It included material and energy consumption, construction waste, lean construction method, use of green materials, indicators of sustainable construction and life cycle cost. The model obtained in this study was expected to be considered as a tool for improving sustainable construction while maintaining business objective in condominium project and formulating better policy to achieve economic, social and environmental sustainability target in the future.