RESEARCH PROPOSAL

Proposal: Why demolish and re-build, when it is possible to sustainably upgrade existing residential buildings? A critical analysis of both options in light of the environmental threats



Table of Contents

Working Title of Dissertation3

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION3

Rationale of Study4

Research Question5

Aim and Objectives of Research5

Outline of Research Project6

Significance and Usefulness of the Study10

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW11

Sustainable Construction Product12

Sustainable Development of Construction Industry14

Urban Sustainability in the 21st Century15

Living Walls and Roofs18

Reconciling Green Projects in U.K's Residential Construction Industry21

Positive and Negative Side Effects of Residential Construction in U.K22

Green Building gives “More for Less”24

Construction and Demolition Waste25

Responsibility and policy Initiatives of the U.K organizations25

BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method)27

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED)27

The Case of Rexel U.K28

Reducing Ecological Footprint in Housing Sector29

Recycling and use of Waste for Environmental Sustainability30

Conclusive Remarks30

References32

Working Title of Dissertation

Why demolish and re-build, when it is possible to sustainably upgrade existing residential buildings? A critical analysis of both options in light of the environmental threats

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Increasing environmental threats have made it essential for the construction sector to adopt sustainable practices in constructing the building over time. Thus, like other industries, the construction industry itself has undergone eco-friendly approaches in the modern times; whereby the upgrading of existing buildings is taking place using sustainable strategies (Parker, 2009, 512-20). This approach is leading the urban landscape towards more eco-friendly buildings and infrastructures in the modern times.

The construction sector has an important weight in the U.K economy, since it contributes to over 100 billion pounds a year. The sector thus, represents 8% of gross domestic product (GDP) and employs about three million workers. The public sector is a major customer of the industry, given that public procurement accounts for over one third of all construction projects. A dwelling or building constructed upon bioclimatic approaches tends to optimize energy resources in its construction, upkeep and maintenance. By using natural materials and renewable energy in its operation, it results in a decrease in energy consumption; the investment is amortized within a reasonable time and above all, increases in value over the years to a greater extent than conventional construction (Power, 2010, 205-216).

To achieve its objectives on the environment, the British government had to bring the construction industry to admit that change was needed, and then implement a strategic reform changing the way this industry works, and in order to improve environmental standards as well as national sustainability. The adoption of a “green design” in residential construction is increasingly being defended as a more integrated approach in place of demolishing and re-building the buildings (Sharrard & Roth, 2008, 327-336).

Rationale of Study

The modern-day, real-estate construction industry is facing a lot of challenges, one of them being the reduction of carbon emissions and building of the housing structures in an eco-friendly manner. According to official sources, ''almost half of all U.K emissions are linked to the built-environment and the government is pursuing a 34% reduction in C02 emissions by year 2020” (BRE, 2010). BRE (2010) has made efforts to increase national awareness regarding ...