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Emmanuel Olisemeka Esumeh
Department of Applied Sciences and Engineering
University of Sunderland
Sunderland, UNITED KINGDOM
olisemeka_esumeh@yahoo.com
bg13rs@student.sunderland.ac.uk
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In the world presently, there is a great amount of diversity with regards to goals and objectives
in the way when embarking on projects. It is of immense significance that these projects meet
certain guidelines and principles, thus leading to an increase in the evolution and growth for
sustainability in the world today.
In essence, the ability to endure can be referred to as sustainability. That is to say, sustainability
demonstrates the lasting sustenance and contented state with regards to humans, comprising of
various aspects such as social, environmental and economic factors altogether. This is aimed at
critically evaluating current academic literature on how the need for sustainability can be
addressed during the feasibility, planning, design and implementation phases of a civil
engineering project.
Keywords: - sustainability, engineering, feasibility, building
INTRODUCTION
Sustainable development in civil engineering is explained by Matthews et al (2007), as a way of
meeting the many needs of humans, such as energy, shelter, transportation, water and waste
management system that is very efficient as well as safeguarding and conserving the
environmental characteristics and features including the natural resource base. Sustainability
development acknowledges the fact that there are substantial connections between economic,
social and environmental sustainability which are very interdependent.
Having stated the above aim of this report, my method and technique in this critical evaluation is
firstly to carry out an analysis of current academic literature on civil engineering projects in
order to gain knowledge on existing problems encompassing sustainability as well as identifying
the needs with regards to project development phases. These problems and needs having been
identified will be explained, detailing how they can be approached during the various stages of
carrying out a civil engineering project.
Addressing the need for sustainability during project development phases
It is very important that the need for sustainability during various project phases should not be
put in jeopardy. Considering the fact that civil engineering can be classed amidst the largest
industries in the world today, it is only fair to say that it has a considerable amount of effect on
sustainability. Sustainable development combines a threefold indispensable content of an
approach in projects due to its requirements and engagement in economic, social and
environmental aims. In construction, sustainability is required to provide a balance between the
effects of the project, socially and the environmental protection of where the project is to be built
i.e. the economic growth and welfare of the workers, Abidin (2009). This also attempts to
prevent economic development that is at the expense and cost of the society and environment at
large.
The diagram below, explains the above statement.
Below is a discussion on how the needs seen in the diagram above can be tended to during
different stages of a civil engineering project with focus on feasibility, design, planning and
building phases respectively.
Feasibility Phase
This is the stage in a project where the requirements are outlined and this involves the
description of the needs as well as the outcome project outcome (Dodds and Venable 2005). It is
very necessary for the project team to perform a feasibility study at this stage of the project
without disregarding sustainability. An analysis of the environmental and socio economic factors
of the project should at this stage be done by the project team. Project sustainability hugely
depends on the feasibility phase of the project due to the fact that it aids the team carrying out the
project in identifying the likely effects on society and environment.
In assessing the sustainability of environment on a project site, there are various methods that
could be employed and they consist of “Life Cycle Assessment, Energy Evaluation, Ecological
Footprint, Greenhouse Gas Inventory and Extended Energy Analysis” as purported by (Nguyen
et al, 2010; Pizzzigallo et al, 2006; Pulselli et al, 2008). The aforementioned argued that the Life
Cycle Assessment method comes in handy when evaluating the performance of the environment
with regards to building projects and the Greenhouse Gas Inventory serves as an auditing system
which displays outcome, comparing the volume of carbon dioxide emission absorption of the
project site system of ecology.
Developing for sustainability is highly relevant to non-renewable resource consumption with
regards to consumption materials and fossil fuel consumption made use of for transportation
energy as evaluated by Challinor and Weight (2009). In the project, eco points and energy
intensity were made use of in measuring the sustainability of the building alternatives. A
conclusion was made with regards to consuming non-renewable resources that reusing waste
materials such as tyre, instead of materials that are not renewable, will help to boost the
sustainability of construction. However, it can be seen that using assessments methods and
measurement is of paramount necessity, in the feasibility stage of a project.
Planning Phase
Dodds and Venable (2005), stressed the significance of adequately identifying the project aims in
the planning stage of civil engineering projects in order to allow room for new solutions and
development during the project as well as making sure that all effort and resource employed to
hinder unsustainable growth is kept intact and on target with the impacts expected. To guarantee
sustainability development for the project, a useful plan must be produced.
Abidin (2009), also carried out a research on civil engineering industries in Malaysia and based
on the feedback gotten, it was identified that the planning phase of a project is a very crucial
stage to implement sustainability and if not considered, then there would be great impact on all
other stages of the project development. There is a high probability that the budgeted cost of the
project will increase if sustainability is implemented after the planning phase of a project.
Chen et al, (2010) contradicted the above discussion by seemingly arguing that the main
challenge faced by construction experts is basically the selection of the right method of
construction at the planning stage of a civil engineering project and this issue can only be
resolved by applying complete sustainable performance criteria, so as to help members of the
planning team in selecting the right method of construction. Information technology is needed in
this context to mechanise the high regards in the building project, thus enhancing the project
sustainability as well as fulfilling the economic, social and environmental objectives of the
project.
In the planning phase of civil engineering projects, green specifications and environmental
management systems both important parts with regards to sustainability (Lam et al, 2011). In the
development of such plan, it is important to consider the requirements of every partner and the
probable obstacles as well as putting green specification cost into consideration. To make sure
the project is completed for sustainability, it is essential that green specification is employed.
Design Phase
The sustainability of a project will be greatly impacted if the appropriate design solution is not
made at this stage. Design choices that show durability consist of elements that are free of
maintenance and have longevity. In order to achieve this, an open plan design that is manageable
should be developed and bearing in mind the minimal project construction waste.
Currently, in several construction and engineering projects, Building Information Modelling
(BIM) is employed at the project design stage to assess the design against beneficial returns and
this is done by making use of a universally approved standard known as LEED (Leadership in
Energy and Environmental Design) and this system is “green rated” in sustainable design
development (Nguyen et al, 2010). The evaluation procedure is in three stages consisting of the
core functions, the areas and concerns in relation to project development sustainability and
finally converting them in indicators for sustainability. The LEED assessment criterion which is
universally approved, together with other methods such as qualitative and quantitative, are used
to assess the sustainability indicators.
There are several other methods of assessment, such as “BREEAM (Building Research
Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) mainly used by European countries in the
assessment of building design and HK-BEAM (Hong Kong Building Environmental Assessment
Method) mainly used in civil engineering projects” (Ding, 2008).
A design is said to be detailed if it satisfies the various requirements consisting of safety, quality,
purpose fitness, value for money and material efficiency (Dodds and Venable, 2005). An
illustration was given in this instance, that the choice of design in make use of an open space for
natural lighting is seen as a factor that is of great sustainability in civil engineering projects, thus
helping to minimise hazards that might occur during the project implementation stage. At this
point, an appropriate sustainability design should be created through cautious thinking, resolve,
modernisation and originality that would be of immense benefit to both the environment and
society at large. Nonetheless, it is important to point out that a factor needs to be considered at
this point of a civil engineering project and this is making a design with regards to knock down
and resource recycling.
Azeb, (2010) likewise, showed that a fundamental design for a high-rise building that has
augmented concrete is expected to satisfy all safety, efficiency, longevity, durability and
serviceability requirements so as to make sure that sustainability is fulfilled. However, the design
must be according to the requisites of International building standards and local authority
principles.
Building Phase
In the building stage of a project, sustainable methods employed earlier are highly exposed to
being reversed by resource constraints such as reduction in cost (Dodds and Venable, 2005).
Therefore, in a project lifecycle, it is important to employ the basis of sustainability so as to
make sure the project is completely made for sustainability. Employing the use of benchmarks in
reporting and monitoring of the project will help guarantee this.
It is important to make good use of building technologies that are not detrimental during the
building stage of a project with the inclusion of construction that is not on site (Azeb, 2010). The
construction mainly comprises of the fabrication of building elements that are not on the site in
order to minimise energy, waste and pollution that could be caused from onsite building.
In support of the above claim, Chen et al (2010) argued that the concrete approach which is also
same as the construction approach is best used due to the fact that it takes into account the
environmental cleanliness as well as lessen the time used in construction and minimises waste. In
making use of this method, it is important to consider factors such as “health, time of delivery,
cost, quality and safety” (Chen et al, 2010).
Nonetheless, in the construction industry today, civil engineers tend to ignore some social
concerns such as welfare, health, safety, workforce development and diversity. As these social
concerns must be attended to during the building stage of a project, it would be beneficial if these
issues are also focused on in the already mentioned phases of a project.
Addressing issues encompassing sustainability during project development stages
There is an increase in energy demand and in regards to sustainable development, meeting this
demand is considered a crucial issue (Dodds and Venable, 2005). Polat et al, (2006) stressed that
some of the issues that occur in countries that are developed, may likely not be pertinent to
developing countries. Therefore, in order to tackle this issue, it is important to note that the
problems encountered are integrative. It is discussed below, how issues regarding project phases
in civil engineering are tackled.
Feasibility Phase
As identified by Zavrl and Zeren, (2010), there are some methods of assessment that are suitable
for the evaluation of a project such as Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and others are
concerned with administrative and management decisions such as Strategic Environmental
Assessment (SEA). However, some methods are only relevant to certain analysis with regards to
social, economic and environmental factors. Making the right choice of assessment method is
usual problem mainly at the feasibility stage of a project. Zavrl and Zeren, (2010) stated that “for
a sustainable urban infrastructure project to be developed, methods that involves all three major
dimensions of sustainability (social, economic and environmental), has to be used”. It is
advisable to make the communication open, as well as explain the assessments done so as to
make it easy for any impact to be identified and a method of precaution suggested.
It is of immense necessity that at this stage of a project, the project team puts into consideration
the means by which the dwellers and occupiers will get access into the structure that is being
built as well as bearing in mind the possible effects that the development of the project would
have on existing system of transportation (Bennett and Crudgington, 2003). However, a
conclusion was reached that members of the project team in charge of the feasibility analysis
should not work in solitude, there creating room for design changes to be made and for scope of
alleviation to be added to the design of the project. Nonetheless, it is clear to say that teamwork
is much needed in the feasibility phase of a project for sustainability to be guaranteed.
A claim was made by Zou et al (2006), that from the feasibility stage of a project and beyond, it
is important for the client, designer and government body to work closely in partnership with
each other for sustainability to be attained and also to efficiently identify any risk that may occur.
Also, the need for builders of the project to be engaged on time is important so as to
appropriately make preparations for implementing building exercises that are adept, safe and of
good quality. However, the study done identifies the need for a suitable risk management
strategy in all phases of the project lifecycle due to the fact that the occurrence of risk is not only
during feasibility stage but also occurs during other stages of a project.
Planning Phase
Dodds and Venable (2005) argued that the process of effectively making a decision in
sustainability development can be attained only when the challenges to be dealt with, necessary
foundation and actual need has been identified. It is important to clearly identify these factors,
bearing in mind legal requirement needs and likely constraints of a project.
Meryman and Silman (2004) were cited by (Lam et al, 2011) based on the argument that
sustainable development can be promoted by making use of cost specifications. The importance
of this was stressed and also the need for a clear distinction between lifecycle cost and capital
cost. In order to develop a project that is sustainable, it is important to make use of appropriate
specification and proper method of costing.
Similarly, Abidin (2009), backed this argument having carried out a study on a Malaysian
building industry and came to the conclusion that the implementation of sustainability is seen to
cause an increment in the project cost due to the need for payment to be made in advance. In
other words, higher cost is equivalent to higher price.
There are certain factors that must be put into consideration when setting sustainability criteria
and these factors include (2) “social factors: namely the project impact on health and community.
The economic factors are (4), namely first cost, long term cost, quality and constructability.
Lastly, the environmental factor has (1) aspect which is the environmental impact” (Chen et al,
2010). The threefold reverse strategy for sustainable development gave rise to the recommended
benchmark.
Design Phase
It is highly important for designers in the construction industry to have a great level of awareness
with regards to sustainability (Ofori et al, 2002) states that designers in construction industry
need to raise their level of awareness on sustainable design. The authors further affirmed that
when designing a civil engineering project, it is essential for construction industries to hire
experienced contractors who have are qualified and have great knowledge on sustainable
development. However, reduction of waste and energy should be considered when designing the
project.
There is a requirement for civil engineers to have a proper understanding of sustainability
together with working alongside designers, scientist and people from other discipline to ensure
development of a sustainable project outcome (Matthews et al, 2007). They further stated that the
ability to work well with individuals from different disciplines is an important element in the
design phase of a project. Therefore, there must be a good relationship standard amongst
members of the project team as this would help in gaining new knowledge relevant to the
effective design.
It was also suggested by Bennett & Crudgington (2003) that it is essential for construction
companies to train engineers on how to engage with their colleagues from other technical
background. For instance, to tackle issues like climate change, it is important to have engineers
who would be able to make decisions as well as come up with appropriate resolution whilst
working in a project team that has people from different backgrounds and profession.
In most construction projects, it is claimed that amongst major stakeholders, the issue of lack of
cooperation is very common especially in project design phase. (Hamid et al, 2008).As suggested
by the authors, in order for the issue to be dealt with, the activities should be properly monitored
and also a full assessment of the activities done, so as to ensure the project is prepared for
sustainable development. To finally make the design sustainability ready, the design should not
exceed the baseline budget.
Building Phase
Azeb (2010) highlighted the importance for civil engineers to apply the “American Society of
Civil Engineers (ASCE) code of ethics on sustainability” during a projects building phase. The
(ASCE) and (NSPE) have both made a remarkable effort in promoting green buildings as
evidenced in recent publications, codes and statements. These organisations suggested that it
would be of great benefit if building methods which do not cause any form of stress to natural
and economic system are utilised by practicing civil engineers during construction projects.
Matthews et al (2007) classified civil engineers skills that contribute to the low level of effort in
sustainability at building phase as reasoning techniques qualification applications and
interdisciplinary experience. The authors further stated that since civil engineers acquire skills
and experience through education for sustainability, it is only normal for them to have gained
knowledge on “building for sustainability” as well as gotten a background on the technicalities of
construction projects.
Likewise, Ofori et al (2002) in their research identified the lack workers who are not adequately
trained and lack know-how in construction sector as one of the major issues faced by civil
engineers in the use of ISO 14000 standards during the building stage of most construction
projects. Ofori and his colleagues however suggested that sustainability at the building stage of a
project can be attained only when the civil engineers are well-trained and have the required skills
for sustainability development.
During a civil engineering project building phase, it is necessary for quality and environment to
be given more focus due to the fact that the sustainability of a project can be determined by this.
CONCLUSION
Having evaluated the need for sustainability in the various stages of civil engineering projects, it
is important to note that all three (3) facets of sustainability (social, economic and
environmental) is required in every phase of a project development.
Nevertheless, it is clear to say that teamwork is much needed in the feasibility phase of a project
for sustainability to be guaranteed as well as to identify and tackle any probable risk that may
occur. The importance of assessment methods in sustainability measurement of a project cannot
be overemphasised.
It can be seen from the above evaluation that a lot of social issues are ignored by civil engineers
in the building sector, thus causing an adverse effect on the sustainability of a project. However,
it is important to note that the roles played by civil engineers in the various stages of project
development areof great significance in attaining sustainability.
Finally, awareness on sustainability and its impacts is highly recommended for civil engineers
and builders. They should make every effort to gain more knowledge on sustainable
development as this is very beneficial and essential as seen in the evaluation above.
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