AbstractsBusiness Management & Administration

Sustainability Oriented Feasibility Model for Construction Decision Making: Water Recycling Cases in Buildings

by Yue Zhang




Institution: University of Toronto
Department:
Year: 2010
Keywords: Decision making; Sustainability
Record ID: 1881393
Full text PDF: http://hdl.handle.net/1807/19014


Abstract

Traditionally, feasibility analysis in the construction sector is limited to financial considerations. As the concept of sustainability becomes increasingly important, the methods used in a feasibility analysis have to be reconfigured in a way that incorporates elements of sustainability. This research uses water recycling systems (within the built environment) as an example to demonstrate how sustainability factors can be integrated quantitatively in feasibility studies. The model is structured in a triple-bottom-line framework, which consists of economic, environmental, and social aspects. Each aspect is measured by a spectrum of parameters, which evaluate three project outcomes of water recycling systems—water savings, project requirements, and positive image. Based on the quantified parameters, Green Factor, a decision making method, is formulated to assist in sustainability oriented feasibility analysis for construction projects.