Determining the importance levels of criteria in selection of sustainable building materials and obstacles in their use

Abstract

The construction industry has become the focal point of sustainability as one of the largest con- sumers of natural resources and waste producers. A sustainable construction industry is possible with the sustainability of building materials, which is the main factor controlling the construc- tion management process. In this research, the importance levels of a total of 17 criteria under the headings of economic, environmental, and social sustainability in terms of sustainability of building materials and the importance levels of 11 obstacles to the use of sustainable materials were investigated through a survey conducted with the participation of 60 people. Whether there were differences between the participants’ opinions was investigated through inferential analysis. In ranking criteria according to their importance level, the health of workers and cit- izens, safety in construction and operation, and toxic emissions took the first three places. The risks of higher initial cost, total cost, and extra time are the biggest obstacles to using sustainable materials. In addition, the obstacles were subjected to factor analysis, and a model consisting of four factors was created. The study revealed the criteria for sustainable material selection and the barriers to sustainable material use in a holistic manner. In this respect, it is evaluated that it will be a guide for governments, local governments, building material manufacturers, designers, contractors, and ultimately users to achieve a more sustainable construction sector.