Evaluation of the social dimension of sustainability in the built environment in poor rural areas of China

Abstract

ABSTRACTResearch on the experiences of the recent tremendous rural construction and restructuring in China show that the social dimension of sustainability is crucial for the success of rural development. However, most conventional built environmental sustainability assessment tools (BESATs) are mainly focussed on environmental sustainability and building performance. There are to date no useful or complete assessment methods of social sustainability in the rural built environment. This study reviews the concept of the social dimension of sustainability and its application in architecture. Several existing BESATs are analysed and compared to identify their features and gaps in the assessment of social sustainability. From this, a series of indicators of social sustainability in the built environment are developed and discussed in the context of the current situation and challenges in poor rural areas in China. Compared with conventional BESATs, the social dimension of sustainability assessment method (SDM) not only considered indoor environmental quality but also covered a variety of issues from human physiological needs to psychological needs. More importantly, it can be used to guide the practice of rural construction from the initial stage by providing a systematic understanding and point-by-point instructions.