Materials Selection for Sustainability in the Built Environment: Environmental, Social and Economic Aspects

Materials Selection for Sustainability in the Built Environment discusses the decision-making process for choosing construction materials to deliver sustainable construction projects, covering environmental, social, and economic aspects. It explores enhanced decision-making techniques using operational research and machine learning and presents tools and methods for assessing construction materials.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 720 pages
Publication date: 16 January 2024
Publisher: Elsevier Science Publishing Co Inc

Materials Selection for Sustainability in the Built Environment: Environmental, Social, and Economic Aspects delves into the cutting-edge landscape of selecting construction materials to achieve sustainable construction projects. This comprehensive book encompasses a wide range of aspects, including the science of enhancing decision-making through operational research and machine learning techniques, which can be applied across various disciplines such as architecture, engineering, and construction.

In order to facilitate this process, the book explores environmental, economic, and social considerations in assessing construction materials, presenting a diverse array of tools and methods that can benefit stakeholders. Furthermore, the book conducts a review of previous publications on construction material selection, shedding light on the crucial role played by professionals, researchers, contractors, and governments in making more sustainable decisions regarding the built environment.

The book's chapters are organized into three sections, each addressing a specific aspect of materials selection for sustainability. The first section focuses on environmental considerations, exploring the impact of construction materials on the environment, including their lifecycle assessments, carbon footprint, and renewable content. The second section examines economic aspects, discussing the cost implications of different materials, their long-term financial benefits, and the economic drivers behind sustainable construction. The third section explores social considerations, emphasizing the social impact of construction projects, the role of stakeholders in decision-making, and the development of sustainable communities.

Throughout the book, real-world case studies and examples are provided to illustrate the practical application of the discussed concepts. These case studies showcase successful sustainable construction projects, highlighting the benefits of using specific materials and the challenges encountered during the selection and implementation process.

By presenting a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to materials selection for sustainability, Materials Selection for Sustainability in the Built Environment serves as a valuable resource for professionals, researchers, students, and policymakers interested in advancing sustainable construction practices. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the environmental, economic, and social factors that influence material choices, enabling individuals and organizations to make informed decisions that contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.

Dimension: 229 x 151 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780323951227