Question

Please refer to the article titled as “Sustainable Construction Excellence for a Better Future in Malaysia, published in The Ingenieur, Vol. 69 January – March 2017 by the Board of Engineers Malaysia. Identify the key challenges in sustainable construction and what should be undertaken to achieve sustainable cities?

Answer 1

One of the most important topics to emerge at the start of the 21st Century in construction was sustainability. There is a high demand for construction industry leaders to commit to deliver a sustainable built environment. There are lot of challenges before the global leaders, international organisations and government leading to sustainable construction. Several key issues have hampered this paradigm shift that require the adoption of new sustainable practices such as internalising sustainability, material wastage and profit oriented mind set.Some of the key issue related to this came up after 10th malasiyan plan 2015 which are as follows:-

1. Corporate Responsibility (CR)

Corporations can’t afford to shirk their environmental obligations. Stakeholder demands are changing, and corporations must meet their evolving expectations.

But how does CR relate to sustainable construction?

Quite simply, it impacts the selection of contractors, suppliers, manufacturers and designers. Everyone involved in construction is affected, and everyone involved needs to take environmental considerations seriously.

2. The Environment

Any sustainable development will look to minimising environmental impact in their immediate vicinity. This process starts at the planning stage, continues through design, construction and eventual completion.

Water management (like drainage and conservation), waste reduction and recycling are fundamentals in creating a culture of sustainability. Developers should employ specialists who not only understand these sustainable building practices, but assess the unique needs of your site.

3. Community

Low level of consciousness from the public of the impact of their behaviour and decisions on the environment.

Suburban construction doesn't only affect a handful of residents. It's important to consider the wider impact, both positive and negative, your development may have on the community.

Using local labourers, contractors, businesses and materials are simple ways to leave an enduring positive impact on the local community. Careful monitoring of how your materials are transported and taking proactive measures to reduce noise pollution will be appreciated by local residents, businesses and employees alike.

4. Selection of Materials

Choosing sustainable materials is critical in reducing the environmental impact of your construction.

This can involve;

• Recycling copper slag and concrete,
• Steel framed construction using fire-resistant steel,
• Drywalls with plasterboards, curtain walls, glass and cladding, metal or glass parapets,
• Switching to prefabricated 3D bathrooms with a steel frame and boards,
• Steel lift shafts and prefabricated steel roofs.

5.Waste Handling

substantial material wastage being dumped
on site of most construction projects is due to the lack of innovative approaches for wastes disposal and recycling.

6. Reluctance of practitioners

  The reluctance of most practitioners to invest in the required machinery, equipment andtraining due to their “profit-oriented” mindset has further hindered a comprehensive implementation of sustainable construction.

7. Governmental Issues.

lack of awareness of some Government implementing agencies on the importance of embracing sustainability criteria in procurement policies, also contributed towards slowing down the pace of a comprehensive implementation of sustainable construction in Malaysia compared to other countries.

The key steps should be taken to achieve susutainable cities are as follows:-

1.According to Miyatake (1996) all players have to realise that the achievement of sustainable construction requires a change in processes of creation of built environments from linear to cyclical approaches. That is, the construction industry has to change the way in which all the construction activities are undertaken, namely placing much emphasis on recycling, reuse of materials as well as the reduction in the energy and natural resources use.

2.The construction industry needs to strike the right balance between environmental performance and economic performance. Several methodologies, techniques and tools such as Life Cycle Costing LCC and Life Cycle Assessment LCA for buildings are available for this purpose. The achievement of this balance is not easy and it is not without cost.

3.According to Porter (1991) the conflict between environmental protection and economic competitiveness is a false dichotomy. It stems from a narrow view of the sources of prosperity and static view of competition. Environmental legislation and regulation must not be viewed as obstacles to competitive advantage. Tough standards trigger innovation and upgrading, instead. Tough regulations can force organisations into innovating to produce less polluting or more efficient products with high value. According to this perspective the adoption of sustainable practices is no longer a cost but a catalyst for constant innovation and new market opportunities.

Government should provide some levy on susutainable construction methods.

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