COMBINING GREEN BUILDING AND LEAN CONSTRUCTION TO ACHIEVE MORE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN SOUTH AFRICA

J Watkins,Bernadette Sunjka

doi:10.7166/31-3-2426

Abstract

This paper explores the synergies that exist between lean construction and green building across all the development phases in a construction project to enhance sustainable development practices in South Africa. Using a systematic literature review, 68 articles were selected and coded. The findings indicate that: (i) lean construction and green building practices, principles, techniques, tools, and technologies can be simultaneously implemented across all phases of development, and offer multidimensional benefits in each; (ii) building information modelling plays a crucial role in assisting and facilitating lean construction and green building, mutually reinforcing each other throughout a development; (iii) prefabricated construction is becoming a popular way in which lean construction and green building are interacting and supporting each other; and (iv) the interaction between lean construction and green building can help to achieve more sustainable development in South Africa.

Highlights

The construction industry represents 40 per cent of global energy consumption, 38 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, 12 per cent of global drinkable water use, and 40 per cent of solid waste streams [1,2]
This paper explores the synergies that exist between lean construction and green building across all the development phases in a construction project to enhance sustainable development practices in South Africa
The findings indicate that: (i) lean construction and green building practices, principles, techniques, tools, and technologies can be simultaneously implemented across all phases of development, and offer multidimensional benefits in each; (ii) building information modelling plays a crucial role in assisting and facilitating lean construction and green building, mutually reinforcing each other throughout a development; (iii) prefabricated construction is becoming a popular way in which lean construction and green building are interacting and supporting each other; and (iv) the interaction between lean construction and green building can help to achieve more sustainable development in South Africa

Summary

Introduction

The construction industry represents 40 per cent of global energy consumption, 38 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, 12 per cent of global drinkable water use, and 40 per cent of solid waste streams [1,2]. The industry is characterised by high levels of waste, unreasonable use of water and electricity, the generation of large amounts of CO2 emissions, and countless inefficiencies increasing waste throughout the development process [7], [8] To counteract these inefficiencies in the design, construction, and operational stages of conventional construction, green building techniques and technologies are being implemented [9], [8]. Subsequent to the preceding analysis, the systematic literature review was written in a narrative flowing style, journeying through each stage of a construction development This started with ‘lean and green in the preparation and design phases’; into ‘lean and green in the construction phase’; into ‘lean and green in the operational phase’; and last into ‘lean and green in the demolition and disposal phases’

Objectives

Findings

Methods

Conclusion