The challenges and opportunities for sustainable building practices

Abstract With growing concerns for the environment and climate change, there has been a focus on the way new structures are commissioned and built; particularly in their use of energy and resources. This is not only apparent in the developed world; it is being driven by policy makers in both developed and developing countries alike. However there are a number of challenges facing the adoption of sustainable building. Construction professionals in Australia interviewed as part of a study undertaken in 2006, highlighted: higher capital costs; cohesive knowledge sharing; and information on materials and technology. The principal challenge was materials selection and justifying the decisions made. The use of locally sourced material frequently resulted in higher first dollar costs and construction delays on projects. In developing countries the challenge is not the sourcing or affordability of local materials but combining locally sourced, sustainable materials with appropriate and sustainable new technologies to provide innovative solutions to meet the demand for more sustainable building and construction projects. The challenge and the opportunity in both these cases is cohesive decision making, and the harnessing of capacity and knowledge to ensure the most appropriate strategies are in place to deliver sustainable building solutions.