Abstract
In order to make environmentally aware decisions, there is growing interest in the comparative energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) performance of competing construction methods. Little research has been done concerning competing ground floor construction methods, especially given different site variables, such as slope and soil type. A life cycle assessment approach was adopted to analyse environmental impacts, including cumulative energy demand and GHG emissions for detached housing construction in Australia. Data was drawn from 24 case study housing projects, including 12 reinforced concrete and 12 suspended timber floor projects. The data presented in the paper compares cumulative energy demand, GHG and the constituent parts of competing construction methods. The findings indicate that the timber floors use/create significantly less cumulative energy demand and GHG emissions than concrete floors—approximately 2.1 to 2.7 times less energy and 2.3 to 2.9 times less GHG. These findings are limited to the site slope and foundation soil types identified in the paper. The main application of the work is in guidance concerning the lowest environmental impact options for detached housing construction.
Highlights
Much has been said about the importance of climate change and the effect that human development has on it (Stern, 2007)
The study was further analysed using a dummy variable in regression analysis to analyse the effect of independent variables on cumulative energy demand and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
These independent variables focused on building footprint (BF) for respective construction methods as dummy variables
Summary
Much has been said about the importance of climate change and the effect that human development has on it (Stern, 2007) In this context, much has been written on the resourcehungry nature of the construction industry and the burden it places on climate change (Metz, 2007). Much has been written on the resourcehungry nature of the construction industry and the burden it places on climate change (Metz, 2007) It is not surprising, that there is growing interest in the comparative credentials of competing construction methods and the materials that they enlist. That there is growing interest in the comparative credentials of competing construction methods and the materials that they enlist Such comparison is not always straightforward, because in certain instances, competing methods offer different sustainability benefits that are hard to resolve. The two main options in the Australian context include reinforced concrete raft slab construction and suspended timber floor construction
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
