Sustainability In Construction

2. THEORETICAL PART

2.1 SUSTAINABILITY

Sustainability means meeting the needs of today without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. Sustainable Construction aims to apply this principle to the construction industry by providing ways of buildings that use less virgin material and less energy, cause less pollution and less waste but still provide the benefits that construction projects have brought us throughout history. In many countries - rich and poor - this is often because of a perception that sustainability is expensive to implement and ultimately a brake on development. Poor countries for their part usually lack the physical infrastructure, ideas and human capacity to integrate sustainability into their

Despite binding convections and numerous detailed reports, there seems to have been little known about the details to ordinary citizens around the world.

The construction industry has a huge contribution to fulfill our quality of life. Construction, building materials and associated professional services together account for some 10% of Gross Domestic Product and provide employment for around 1.5 million people [24]. Buildings and structures change the nature, function, and appearance of our towns and countryside.

This research gives an overview on application of sustainable construction principles, as it is one of the applications of sustainable development practices. This research will base on comprehensive literature review, followed by interview and questionnaire to bodies that relate direct and indirect to construction industry.

2.2 SUSTAINABLE

More than three decades on from a recognizable start of the environmental movement – the establishment of World Environment Day by the United Nations General Assembly in 1972 – there appears at last to be a growing commitment to reverse unsustainable trends in development. To meet the challenge we have to enhance quality of life for all by designing healthy buildings and environments fit for individuals and communities both now and in the future. We need to minimize resource throughputs, waste and pollution, and to fulfill our responsibility to protect other species and environments.

Buildings and the built environment will therefore increasingly be required to satisfy a number of criteria, including that they should:

Enhance biodiversity – not use materials from threatened species or environments and improve natural habitats where possible through appropriate planting and water use.

Support communities – identify and meet the real needs, requirements and aspirations of communities and stakeholders and involve them in key decisions.

Use resources effectively – not consume a disproportionate amount of resources, including money and land during material sourcing, construction, use or disposal; not cause unnecessary waste of energy, water or materials due to short life, poor design, inefficiency, or less than ideal construction and manufacturing