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A Simplified Method for Evaluating Building Sustainability in the Early Design Phase for Architects

Author

Listed:
  • Jernej Markelj

    (Faculty of Architecture, University of Ljubljana, Zoisova cesta 12, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia)

  • Manja Kitek Kuzman

    (Department of Wood Science and Technology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Rožna Dolina, cesta VIII 34, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia)

  • Petra Grošelj

    (Department of Wood Science and Technology, Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Rožna Dolina, cesta VIII 34, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia)

  • Martina Zbašnik-Senegačnik

    (Faculty of Architecture, University of Ljubljana, Zoisova cesta 12, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia)

Abstract

With society turning increasingly to sustainable development, sharper demands are being made concerning energy efficiency and other properties that mean reductions in the negative effects of the building on the environment and people. This means that architects must have a suitably adapted solution already in the early design phase, as this has the greatest influence on the final result. Current tools and methods used for this are either focused only on individual topics or are too complex and not adapted for independent use by architects. The paper presents a simplified method for evaluating building sustainability (SMEBS) which addresses these needs. It is intended as a tool to aid architects in the early project planning phases as it allows a quick evaluation of the extent to which the demands of sustainable building are fulfilled. The method was developed on the basis of a study of international building sustainability assessment methods (BSAM) and standards in this field. Experts in sustainable construction were invited to determine weights for assessment parameters using the analytical hierarchy process (AHP). Their judgments reflect the specific characteristics of the local environment.

Suggested Citation

  • Jernej Markelj & Manja Kitek Kuzman & Petra Grošelj & Martina Zbašnik-Senegačnik, 2014. "A Simplified Method for Evaluating Building Sustainability in the Early Design Phase for Architects," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 6(12), pages 1-21, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:6:y:2014:i:12:p:8775-8795:d:43008
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    9. Yongho Ko & Seungwoo Han, 2017. "A Duration Prediction Using a Material-Based Progress Management Methodology for Construction Operation Plans," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 9(4), pages 1-12, April.
    10. Kosa Golić & Tatjana Kosić & Vesna Kosorić, 2023. "AHP-Based Model for Energy-Sustainable Renovation of Building Envelopes: A Case Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(10), pages 1-31, May.
    11. Lin, Sheng-Hau & Zhang, Hejie & Li, Jia-Hsuan & Ye, Cheng-Zhou & Hsieh, Jing-Chzi, 2022. "Evaluating smart office buildings from a sustainability perspective: A model of hybrid multi-attribute decision-making," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 68(C).

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