Development of a point-based system for evaluation of sustainability during construction operations in Dubai

Abstract

The development of sustainable structures and facilities in the stage of design has been highly and extensively addressed along with the commissioning of completed projects. Many codes and practice guides have been published by means of extensive research which have shown the amount of savings that can be achieved from implementation. Past efforts and literature published on sustainability practices for the construction stage is limited. Where literatures is available, it is not provided in an organized or objective format and thus has limited applicability. With extensive construction activity in the GCC marketplace and worldwide, collective carbon emissions are significant and the need for positive change leading to sustainability of construction operations becomes increasingly important. To explore this area, existing approaches such as LEED, Breeam, Estidama, Sites and the Dubai Green Building Regulations, were evaluated to identify variables and parameters with construction significance. All approaches were found to have limited consideration of construction operations and project delivery. Approaches for development of a construction oriented sustainability process were therefore explored and evaluated. A rating-system approach was determined to provide the best opportunity for implementation and positive impact within the profession. Through this research, the rating system is developed and application of the approach is exemplified on a sample construction project. The research concludes with an exploration of further opportunities for enacting positive change on the sustainability of construction operations.