From prototypes to production: Overcoming the barriers to adoption of sustainable building innovation

Abstract

Modern interpretations of sustainable buildings are founded upon innovative application of new products and technology, often applied for the first time. However, such prototype innovations require additional development for commercialisation. In the case of sustainable building innovation, this is to align the innovation with industry requirements such as cost, constructability and building regulations, all of which impact the adoption of the innovation into widespread use. Despite a clear understanding of the barriers to innovation in the construction industry, the importance of the attributes of an innovation that lead to adoption are less well understood. This research utilises the Diffusion of Innovations (DOI) theory to analyse how the attributes for innovation adoption potential from the innovation rich Solar Decathlon building competition. This research demonstrates that there are a number of innovation attributes that are not addressed by the Solar Decathlon and this therefore results in the low rates of innovation adoption into industry from the competition.