(Asce) Co 1943-7862 0000673
(Asce) Co 1943-7862 0000673
(Asce) Co 1943-7862 0000673
Industrial Construction
J. K. Yates, M.ASCE 1
Abstract: This article summarizes the results of a research project that was funded by the Construction Industry Institute that addressed
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design and construction for sustainable industrial construction. The research project included a global literature review of articles related to
sustainable industrial construction and a survey investigation of industrial construction firms that was used to determine the viability of
utilizing sustainable practices in the industrial construction industry. Members of the industrial construction industry provided information
on the utilization of sustainable practices in their firms and numerous examples of the types of sustainable practices that they have already
implemented in their firms. The research project also developed several implementation resources that are discussed, such as a quick start
guide for implementing sustainability practices, two maturity models that could be used to help evaluate the level of sustainability on projects,
and a checklist for sustainability evaluation of industrial construction projects. DOI: 10.1061/(ASCE)CO.1943-7862.0000673. © 2014
American Society of Civil Engineers.
Author keywords: Sustainability; Sustainable development; Industrial construction; Construction; Design for construction; Environmental
issues in construction; Planning for construction; Construction materials and methods.
government also developed a definition for industrial sustainability: • Always monitor the amount of waste being produced
“The objectives are social progress which recognizes the needs of during construction and compare it with preexisting goals
everyone, effective protection of the environment, prudent use of and guidelines.
natural resources and lastly maintenance of high and stable levels
of economic growth and employment” (Paramanathan et al. 2004). Sustainability in the Industrial Construction Sector
Sustainable industrial ecology is another area being explored
Sustainable Construction
by members of the manufacturing, construction, and processing
Sustainable construction involves “creating construction items us- industries. Optimal resource consumption is being studied through
ing best-practice clean and resource-efficient techniques from the a framework that integrates different processes, economic and
extraction of the raw materials to the demolition and disposal of its environmental constraints, and health and safety considerations
components” (Ofori 2000, p. 196). According to the European (Basu and Van Zyl 2006, p. 299). Increasing energy demands
Union publication Proposals for a Response to the Challenges require improved standards and regulations for the industrial con-
of Sustainable Construction, sustainable construction “is the set struction industry.
of processes by which a profitable and competitive industry Sustainability practices should be incorporated into construction
delivers built assets (buildings, structures, supporting infrastructure projects during the planning stage including the selection of more
and their immediate surroundings) which in turn” (European environmentally friendly materials and technologies and the use
Commission Enterprise 2001b, p. 1): of construction processes that utilize less toxic materials and that
• Enhance the quality of life and offer customer satisfaction. consume less energy and produce less waste.
• Offer flexibility and the potential to cater to user changes in the
future.
• Provide and support desirable natural and social environments. Methodology
• Increase investment in people and equipment for a competitive
economy. In order to collect information on sustainability practices in indus-
• Achieve higher growth whilst reducing pollution and maximiz- trial construction, a series of tasks were undertaken that helped
ing the efficient use of resources. to contribute to the body of knowledge related to sustainability de-
• Share the benefits of growth more widely and more fairly. velopment in the industrial construction sector. Each of the tasks is
• Improve towns and protecting the quality of the countryside. briefly described in this section.
• Contribute to sustainable development internationally.
Literature Review of Current Sustainability Practices
itations, not all of the references utilized for this study could be • The Chinese National Committee on Environmental Planning
included in this article. and Coordination (NCEPC),
• The Chinese Division of Development and Construction, and
• The German Waste Disposal Act of 1972, the Waste Avoidance
Review of Global Environmental Treaties and Waste Management Act of 1986, and the Closed Substance
The environmental treaties that were reviewed for the research in- Recycle and Waste Management Act of 1986.
cluded the United Nations Framework Conventions on Climate The results of the Literature Review, the Review of Global Trea-
Change (UNFCC 2005) and ties, and the Review of Government Environmental Regulations are
• The Kyoto Protocol Treaty, summarized in the document, by Dr. J. K. Yates, Sustainable
• The Basel Convention, Industrial Construction, Research Report 250-11, Construction
• The Rio Declaration, and Industry Institute, Austin, Texas. Two additional publications were
• The Stockholm Convention. published by the CII including RT250-2 (2008b) and RT250-3
(2008a) Sustainable Design and Construction for Industrial Con-
struction: A Primer (2009) and Sustainable Design and Construc-
Review of Government Environmental Regulations— tion for Industrial Construction: Implementation Resource (2009).
Domestic and Foreign
Information was collected on sustainable development industrial
Development of the Knowledge Acquisition System
construction practices from domestic and foreign government
agencies including Based on the literature review, and with input from the CII
• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), http://www Research Team 250, a questionnaire was developed that was used
.epa.gov; to collect data from members of the industrial construction industry.
• Russia—The Federal Service for Hydrometeorology and Envir- The questionnaire was designed to include questions that could
onmental Monitoring, http://www.meteorf.ru/en_default.aspx; be answered with yes, no, or do not know responses and if the
• Australia—The Department of the Environment and Heritage, respondents answered in the affirmative, they were provided with
http://www.environment.sa.gov.au/; additional space to elaborate on their yes answer by providing exam-
• India—The Ministry of the Environment and Forests, http:// ples of situations where methods or processes were implemented on
envfor.nic.in/; actual construction projects. The questionnaire is included in the
• Japan—The Ministry of the Environment, http://www.env.go.jp/ Supplemental Data. The questionnaire was used to solicit informa-
en/; tion from the survey participants on the following topics:
• The United Kingdom—The Department for Environment Food • The sustainability programs being utilized in their firms,
and Rural Affairs, http://www.defra.gov.uk/; • How sustainability programs are being implemented in their
• Chile—The National Commission on Medio Ambiente, http:// firms,
www.conama.cl/portal/1301/channel.html; • How sustainability programs are evaluated,
• The Congo—The Ministry of Tourism and Environment, http:// • Barriers to implementing sustainability programs,
www.congo-site.net/v4x/instit/gouvernement/home.php; • Drivers to implementation of sustainable development practices,
• Kenya—The Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, http://www • The economic benefits of using sustainable development
.tourism.go.ke/ministry.nsf; practices,
• Egypt—The Ministry of State for Environmental Affairs, http:// • The social conditions addressed during construction,
www.eeaa.gov.eg/English/main/about.asp; • Sustainable alternatives to traditional construction materials,
• Jordan—The Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and the • How the benefits of using sustainable practices are measured on
Environment, http://www.environment.gov.jo/main.html; projects,
• China—State Environmental Protection Administration, http:// • Techniques used to improve sustainable development,
english.sepa.gov.cn/; and • The use of innovative sustainable designs or construction
• Saudi Arabia—The Meteorology and Environmental Protection components,
Administration, http://www.pme.gov.sa/esoon.asp. • How the wastes being generated during construction projects are
In addition, laws and documents published by domestic and being recycled or reused,
foreign governments that pertain to sustainable development prac- • Pollution prevention techniques, and
tices in industrial construction were investigated, including • Whether their firms have a method for measuring metrics related
• The UN Global Compact, to sustainable objectives.
• The World Business Council for Sustainable Development These 14 areas were selected by the members of the CII
(WBCSD), Research Team 250 for inclusion in the survey after a review of
liaisons (e-mail), the top 50 sustainable contractors (mail), and 129 surveys. The participants provided comments for many of the ques-
firms that perform industrial construction (mail). The number of tions, and the comments were condensed into keywords. Detailed
firms that perform industrial construction is limited, and the survey comments on each of the questions in the survey were also pro-
participants selected represented a large portion of this industry. vided by the survey participants, but they are not included in this
article due to their excessive length.
Data Analysis
The data collected from the literature review and the surveys were General Company Information Results
summarized by focus areas. The questionnaires were analyzed by The first seven survey questions were used to record the names of
computing the total number of yes, no, and do not know responses companies, the name of the person filling out the questionnaire, the
and summarizing the comments supplied by the survey participants mailing address and phone number. Since this information is con-
using keywords. fidential, the responses to the first seven questions are not included
in this section. Table 1 provides a summary of the information pro-
Results of the Data Analysis vided by the firms on the types of firms, and other information
about the firms, that participated in the research project.
After the data were collected and analyzed, the results were sum-
marized to determine the most prevalent sustainability methods and
processes being used in the industrial construction sector. In addi- Corporate and Project Level Sustainability Results
tion, information was summarized on how to implement sustain-
This section provides a summary of the results that were obtained to
ability practices and the benefits of their implementation.
the corporate and project level sustainability questions that were
included in the survey. Table 2 provides a summary of the results
Survey Results and Data Analysis that were obtained to the questions in Parts II and III of the
questionnaire.
This section discusses the results of the survey of industry execu-
tives. Information is provided on the number of surveys distributed
to industrial construction industry experts and the number of sur- Data Analysis
veys that were returned to the academic researcher. The section also
presents the results of the surveys along with an analysis of the This section summarizes the results that were obtained from the
results. questionnaires completed by the survey respondents.
10,000–50,000 40%
5,000 to 10,000 3%
Some of the sustainable materials considered during design are
1,000–5,000 27%
500–1,000 10%
100–500 13%
recycled steel, certified wood products, environmentally preferable
1–100 7%
products, composite materials, low volatile organic compound
—
—
—
—
—
—
—
paints, recycled plastic, and recycled metals.
When these results were compared to the questions in Part III, it
indicates that the considerations do not translate into the actual use
of sustainability practices. Only 46% of the firms surveyed use sus-
$500 million—$1 billion 14% tainable alternatives to standard materials in their designs and 42%
said that they are integrating sustainable components into their
Average size of projects
Over $1 billion 7%
$1–10 million 28%
N/A or other 5%
trial construction projects and 22% indicated that they were not
being followed at all. The government regulations that are being
followed on construction projects by the survey participants include
Executive Order 13423, Department of Energy and Environmental
Countries of operation
Worldwide 51%
expected project life cycle, but only 22% of the firms in the survey
have a method for measuring metrics (quantifying the achievement
of sustainable development). The types of items considered include
maintenance and repair costs, energy efficiency, overall resource
Cost plus % fee 20%
Contractor 21% Cost plus a fee 18%
Supplier 5%
Owner 26%
Petrochemicals 13%
Heavy/highway 6%
Commercial 6%
Institutional 5%
Residential 2%
Utilities 11%
Power 15%
• Develop incentives that align and will reinforce the vision of the
11 Develop recognition / incentive program
SCP
Construction
12 Roll out SCP to Project team personnel • Provide strong deployment and communication plan
Fig. 1. Industrial construction for sustainability quick start guide [Adapted from Yates, J. K. (2008). Table 5.3 pp. 71]
Table 3. Engineering and Construction Sustainability Maturity Model One [Adapted from Yates, J. K. (2008). Table 5.4 pp. 72]
Project implementation level
Project phases Level 1: Basic Level 2: Intermediate Level 3: Advanced
Procurement Commit environmental standards for Set environmental and social goals for Social and environmental
projects and investigate realistic projects based on environmental commitments are measurable and
sustainable alternatives. standards and stakeholder incorporated into project
consultations. documentation and contracts.
Business case Develop estimates that include Use life cycle cost analysis for decision Consider additional value-added
rationale/project financing sustainable elements and anticipate making and incorporate cost and activities.
risks. benefits of environmental and social
goals.
Design Use a green design rating tool or Commit to achieving a certain level of Measure sustainability achievements
standard to set goals reflected in the certification and incorporating it into and publish case studies of projects so
contract documents. Provide all project documentation. Consider others may use them as benchmarks.
reasonable life cycle payback periods impact on the community (construction Engage stakeholders in the design
for design criteria. through operations and closure) in process and incorporate their concerns.
design decisions.
Cost analysis (including Utilize life cycle cost analysis in value Consider pending regulations in design Utilize tangible and intangible costs for
value engineering and engineering approaches. decisions. carbon and other environmental risks.
life cycle cost analysis)
Procurement Commit to a sustainable purchasing Commitments to local sourcing and Extend sustainability policies into the
policy such as the U.S. Government measure and report progress. supply chain.
Affirmative Procurement/
Environmentally Preferable
Purchasing. Consider local sourcing.
Construction Ensure all contractors and Utilize local labor if possible and focus Maximize the use of local labor and
subcontractors comply with permits on erosion control, storm water runoff provide training programs. Coordinate
and report any deviations. mitigation, noise abatement, and traffic with other entities and projects to
control. achieve goals. Commit to sustainable
construction practices.
Startup and operation Consider all operating and Involve operations personnel in the Employ trained local labor, engage
maintenance costs in design and cost design and commissioning processes. with community advisory boards,
decisions. Use environmental management report data to stakeholders and use the
standards and commit to community ISO 14,001 environmental
health and safety programs. management standards.
Facility end of life Incorporate plans to reclaim the area at Plan for the reclamation process during Consider all of the effects facilities
the end of the useful life of facilities. the design phase. have on the surrounding area both
during operation and demolition and
prepare mitigation plans.
the project execution plan. During the construction phase the help assess the implementation of sustainability practices on spe-
project sustainability execution plan is implemented and monitored cific projects and it is provided in Table 4.
Table 4. Engineering and Construction Sustainability Maturity Model Two [Adapted from Yates, J. K. (2008). Table 5.5 pp. 73]
Level 2: Project monitoring,
Project phases Essence of each phase Level 1: Regular implementation evaluation, and improvement
Front-end planning (FEP) This phase creates a sustainability Consult LEED or similar Decisions are influenced by a desire
implementation plan that certification guidelines. Evaluate for a higher certification rating.
encompasses all of the phases. the economic environment and the Quantify inputs and outputs related
social impacts of planned decisions. to economic, environmental, and
social impacts.
Project financing Analyze the costs and benefits of Quantify sustainable practices Determine costs and benefits
incorporating sustainable practices. including economic, associated with sustainable
environmental, and social costs and strategies.
benefits.
Design Include input from stakeholders Utilize sustainable design Utilize building information
into designs that evaluate guidelines to incorporate modeling (BIM) to help monitor the
sustainable alternatives. sustainable alternatives. Review all incorporation of sustainable
project systems for sustainable strategies.
alternatives. Involve contractors in
sustainability constructability
reviews.
Cost analysis [includes value Evaluate the overall life cycle costs Explore sustainable alternatives by Monitor the incorporation of
engineering (VE) and life cycle to provide data on first costs versus evaluating life cycle costs including sustainable alternatives based on
cost analysis (LCCA)] life cycle costs and savings. cradle-to-grave considerations. life cycle cost analysis rather than
first costs.
Procurement Locate and evaluate sustainable The specifications should include Document vendors and suppliers
materials and products. Review requirements for sustainable that provide sustainable products
established guidelines such as materials and products. Use local and materials. Ensure that suppliers
Energy Star and the Federal Green materials if feasible. Minimize focus on waste minimization.
Construction Guide for hazardous wastes and Cultivate local sustainable
Specifications. Evaluate sustainable environmental impacts. suppliers.
materials and products including
supply chains.
Construction Construction integration of Processes established to implement Monitor construction operations
sustainable alternatives. and document sustainability and continue to document the
practices at all levels. Document implementation of sustainable
deviations from proposed alternatives. Evaluate additional
sustainable alternatives and explain sustainable options as they arise
why they could not be implemented and submit them to the design team
during construction. for approval. Ensure compliance to
sustainable specifications and
provide training if the work force is
not familiar with requirements.
Startup and operation Commissioning and operation to Provide training and operating Monitor operations to ensure peak
ensure operational efficiencies of manuals to ensure proper start-up efficiencies are obtained and that all
the intended design. and operation. systems are functioning according
to the design guidelines.
Facility end of life The demolition phase should have Execute the demolition plan that Monitor the demolition process to
been considered in the initial design includes salvaging materials, ensure the demolition plan is
and a sustainability plan provided recycling materials, and reusing implemented and document
for demolition by the designers. materials. deviations from the plan.
b. Impact to real estate cost benefits of being ISO 14,000 certified when building indus-
c. Community travel delays trial construction projects.
d. Light pollution 2. Social and Community Impact Research
e. Noise and vibration reduction—developing a plan for a. Developing a method for quantifying the social impacts of
reduction industrial construction operations.
f. Relationship with impacted community. b. Developing a method for quantifying the spatial and noise
pollution caused by industrial construction operations.
c. Evaluating methods that are used for reducing energy con-
Conclusions sumption to determine whether they are cost effective when
they are used on industrial construction projects.
The Design and Construction for Sustainability in Industrial Con- 3. Construction Operation Sustainability Research
struction research project investigated all aspects of the processes a. Determining methods for reducing the environmental
required to design and build industrial construction projects in order degradation caused by industrial construction operations.
to determine which types of sustainability practices could be imple- b. Investigating methods for producing less waste by-
mented during industrial construction projects. The information pro- products during industrial construction operations.
vided in this article was written to provide information on current 4. Industrial Construction Materials Research
sustainability practices in the industrial construction industry. a. Developing and validating a method for quantifying the
The topics investigated as part of this research project included environmental consequences of transporting construction
• Definitions for sustainability and sustainable development and materials.
related topics, b. Investigating alternative methods for recycling, reusing, or
• Background information on sustainability and barriers to imple- remanufacturing industrial construction waste by-products.
menting sustainability practices, c. Investigating the feasibility of forming a secondary market
• Current sustainability practices used in the industrial construc- for unused construction materials that includes databases of
tion sector and obstacles to implementing them, materials for resale.
• Social and community impact of projects,
• Responsible supply chain management and procurement practices,
• Recourse efficiency, Acknowledgments
• Renewable energy,
The researcher would like to thank the members of the Construc-
• The environmental impact of production operations for con-
tion Industry Institute for funding this research project and ac-
struction materials,
knowledge the contribution of the Research Team 250 members
• ISO 14,000 environmental management standards,
that included 13 representatives from construction firms, owner
• Environmental laws and their implications,
organizations, and government agencies: Larry Arndt; M. A.
• Economic models for life cycle cost assessment, and
Mortenson; Melanie Berkemeyer, U.S. Department of State;
• Sustainability rends and sustainable industrial construction
Richard Budzowski, SNC Lavalin Inc.; Tom Garrett, Emerson
materials.
Process Management; Scott Haywood, Abbott; Nancy Kralik,
In addition, data were gathered about sustainability practices in
Flour Corportation; Catherine McKalip-Thomson, Bechtel Group
the industrial construction industry including the types of issues
Inc.; David Prada, CSA Group; Kathleen Reid, Intel Corporation;
members of engineering and construction firms have to address re- Laurie Robbins, Jacobs; David Stayshich, Flour Corporation;
lated to toxic emissions, the production of hazardous wastes and Russ Svendsen, Dresser-Rand Company; and Paul Wilcox, Jacobs.
nonhazardous wastes, recycling or reusing construction waste The author would also like to thank the members of the industrial
by-products, and other sustainability practices. construction industry that participated in the research and that
The members of the CII Research Team 250 developed a provided extensive information on the sustainability practices
Sustainability Quick Start Guide and two Sustainability Maturity being utilized by their firms. The information they provided was
Models that could be used by members of firms to start implement- greatly appreciated, and it contributed to the success of the research
ing sustainability practices and for evaluating their progress in im- investigation.
plementing sustainability practices. The researcher developed a
Checklist for Sustainability Evaluation of Industrial Construction
Projects that could be used to evaluate whether sustainable practi- Supplemental Data
ces are being incorporated into industrial construction projects.
The next section outlines some potential topics for further The Research Questionnaire is available online in the ASCE
research that if pursued would provide members of the industrial Library (http://www.ascelibrary.org).
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