Industrialised, Integrated, Intelligent sustainable Construction - I3con

SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION HANDBOOK 2
The Principles of Sustainability
There are three principles of sustainability, (see Figure 4). Understanding these principles helps
design and construction teams perceive their roles towards saving the environment, prospering the
economy and enhancing society.
Figure 4. Principles of Sustainability
(1) Economy of Resources
This principle is concerned with the reduction, reuse, and recycling of natural resources that are
input to a building. The strategies to achieve this principle are: energy conservation, water
conservation and material conservation.
(2) Life Cycle Design
This principle analyses the building process and its impact on the environment throughout the
project life cycle.
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• Firstly, during the pre-building phase, the sustainable design strategy focuses on waste
reduction, pollution prevention, recycled content, embodied energy reduction and use of
natural materials.
• Secondly, during the building phase the sustainable design strategy focuses on energy
efficiency, water treatment/conservation, use of non- or less-toxic materials, renewable
energy systems and increasing building's life.
• Finally, at the post-building phase the sustainable design strategy focuses on reducing
construction waste by recycling and reusing building materials.
(3) Humane Design
This principle focuses on the interactions between humans and the natural world. The strategies
to accomplish this principle are: preservation of natural conditions, urban design and site
planning as well as design for human comfort (Kim, 1998).
Competitive Advantage
Competitive advantage is an advantage over competitors gained by offering consumers greater value,
either by means of lower prices or by providing greater benefits and service that justifies higher prices
(Porter, 1985). It is a status in which one company is able to receive profits above that of the industry
average, or even another firm. Many competitive advantage types are unsustainable, as competitors
will eventually attempt to replicate what the first company has succeeded in doing. However, a