Resource flow analysis for sustainable construction: metrics for an integrated supply chain approach

Abstract

‘Sustainable construction’ is a topical agenda, with a great diversity of metrics, targets, performance measures and benchmarks. This paper explores a range of metrics and benchmarks that are based on understanding of the whole construction supply chain, together with its impacts on the global climate and resource base. It draws on new evidence from the UK resource analysis framework with an associated toolkit, the Resource and Energy Analysis Program modelling and data system. The resource flow and metabolism of the construction industry has been explored within this framework, by application of input–output analysis, at national and regional level. The result provides a first-estimate evidence base for issues such as ‘carbon neutral’ buildings, housing replacement against rehabilitation, local against imported materials and ‘one planet’ performance targets for sustainable construction. These first results also show future directions for improved methods of assessment and benchmarking.