CORRELATION BETWEEN VALUE ENGINEERING AND SUSTAINABILITY IN CONSTRUCTION IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES

Abstract

Value engineering (VE) is a practical approach for economic saving and enhancing quality, thereby increasing sustainability in the construction industry. This study presents a latent correlation between VE and sustainability in the construction industry. Such correlation is an adapted method from the current VE process that analyzes the effects of sustainability factors on alternative local building materials cost/performance through its lifecycle stages. The model enables the study team to apply the methodology during the briefing process and change their thoughts from the only cost to value. The paper also suggests three stages for applying a correlation study within the early stages of a project. The study modified each stage by considering the sustainability factors. The methodology was synthesized based on a review of previous studies reinforced by an electronic survey. This paper presents the model’s application in an apartment project’s case study. This case study presents the methodology and calculations of the correlation study. The results show that the estimated savings of the alternatives reach approximately 20% of the original material’s cost; hence, considerable savings in the total project cost reach up to 12.3% and delivered sustainability. The interests of VE and sustainability show a positive correlation; hence, integrating the two should add value to construction projects. This study contributes to the industry that is equivalent to the current VE process.