Conceptual framework for sustainable construction

Abstract

Growing global demand for sustainable development places immense pressure on the construction industry to select and promote sustainable construction practices. The selection of sustainable construction practices is a challenging task, as there are numerous variables and uncertainties involved in the concept of sustainability and a consistent and widely accepted framework for assessment and evaluation seems to be lacking. Based on an extensive literature review on sustainability, sustainable construction was redefined and evaluation frameworks were identified for comparison. Furthermore, a conceptual framework is proposed by identifying specific indicators and criteria relating to the objectives of sustainable construction (sociocultural, economic, technical and environmental) to evaluate the sustainability of construction practices. Recommendations for the application of the proposed framework is also presented.