Methodology for the application of sustainable construction

Abstract

Many recognize the sustainable construction value as it contributes to the reduction of the environmental impact and to the quality, accessibility and productivity increase for whoever lives and works inside buildings. However, its economic advantages, which would be of great incentive for its expansion into the market, are still obscure. The objective of this paper is to present a methodology to assess the cost-effectiveness of the application of sustainable measures into buildings, through actions that establish a balance between environmental, economic and social factors. The methodology is based on the comparison of a case study (a building with application of sustainable concepts) with some reference buildings that will allow to show the triple bottom line added values. The aim is to achieve an optimum balance point, with an acceptable pay-back time, and to provide evidence of good economic results that encourage the investment into sustainable construction.