Green Building Rating Systems from the prospect of sustainability dimensions through the building lifecycle.

Abstract

Rapid developments followed by the industrial revolution had a huge impact on the ecosystem. The concern for the ecosystem paved the way for the concept of sustainability along with its three mutually reinforcing and interdependent economic, social, and environmental dimensions. The need for sustainability is reflected in almost every field and is also seen in the construction industry in the form of green/sustainable building practices. In 2002, World Green Building Council (WGBC) was established with Green Building Councils (GBCs) representing various countries for promoting sustainable buildings. Green Building Rating Systems (GBRS) were established by GBCs to acknowledge buildings that adopt sustainable construction practices. In this context, GBRS needs much attention along with its structural framework. Many researchers have analyzed the structural framework of GBRS, and most of the studies were confined to general and category levels. Therefore, the current study attempts to investigate the weightage of sustainability dimensions through the building lifecycle by conducting a criteria-level analysis of GBRS. The weightage for three sustainability dimensions considered by GBRS was investigated through a questionnaire survey using the Budget Allocation Method (BAM). The weightage for each stage of the building lifecycle considered by GBRS was also investigated. The study also explored the relationship between sustainability dimensions and building lifecycle stages. The general framework of GBRS was analyzed, and suggestions for improving and refining GBRS were presented. Even though the study is restricted to four GBRS, the research outcome would be beneficial for developing/improving the GBRS towards accomplishing sustainability.