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Analyzing the Environmental, Economic, and Social Sustainability of Prefabricated Components: Modeling and Case Study

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  • Xu’anzhi Chen

    (Department of Construction and Real Estate, School of Civil Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China)

  • Shu Su

    (Department of Construction and Real Estate, School of Civil Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China)

  • Jingfeng Yuan

    (Department of Construction and Real Estate, School of Civil Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China)

  • Jiaming Li

    (Department of Construction and Real Estate, School of Civil Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 210096, China
    China Energy Engineering Group Guangdong Electric Power Design Institute Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 510799, China)

  • Feng Lou

    (Zhejiang Dadongwu Construction Science and Technology Co., Ltd., Huzhou 313000, China)

  • Qinfang Wang

    (Changzhou Architectural Research Institute Group Co., Ltd., Changzhou 213015, China)

Abstract

The building industry has significant environmental, economic, and social impacts. The trend of construction industrialization to promote sustainable development is becoming increasingly evident. As an essential component of this process, prefabricated components provide a foundation for studying the sustainability of prefabricated buildings. This study proposes a life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA) model involving environmental, economic, and social aspects to assess the sustainability of prefabricated components. The sustainability impacts on the raw material extraction and production, off-plant transport, material processing and component manufacturing, on-plant transport, and component storage stages are comprehensively assessed. The LCSA model is applied to four types of prefabricated components: interior wallboards, precast stairs, composite beams, and composite floor slabs. The results show that the precast stairs exhibit the highest sustainability score and that the performances of environmental, economic, and social pillars of four components are slightly different. These findings enhance our understanding of the sustainability of prefabricated components and broaden the scope of LCSA applications. The established sustainability assessment model is expected to help guide prefabrication scheme designs and production plan optimization, further encouraging the wider adoption of sustainable practices in construction.

Suggested Citation

  • Xu’anzhi Chen & Shu Su & Jingfeng Yuan & Jiaming Li & Feng Lou & Qinfang Wang, 2023. "Analyzing the Environmental, Economic, and Social Sustainability of Prefabricated Components: Modeling and Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(1), pages 1-22, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2023:i:1:p:342-:d:1310407
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Navid Hossaini & Bahareh Reza & Sharmin Akhtar & Rehan Sadiq & Kasun Hewage, 2015. "AHP based life cycle sustainability assessment (LCSA) framework: a case study of six storey wood frame and concrete frame buildings in Vancouver," Journal of Environmental Planning and Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 58(7), pages 1217-1241, July.
    2. Onat, Nuri Cihat & Kucukvar, Murat & Aboushaqrah, Nour N.M. & Jabbar, Rateb, 2019. "How sustainable is electric mobility? A comprehensive sustainability assessment approach for the case of Qatar," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 250(C), pages 461-477.
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