ABSTRACT
The process of sustainable building requires the integration of a number of complex strategies during the design (as well as construction and operation) stage of building projects. Foremost among these should be careful selection of building materials – together with design of key space and layout configurations – and an assessment of their combined impact on the physical environment and on the health, comfort and productivity of the building occupants. Integrated building design and materials selection offers considerable potential for substantially reducing the environmental impacts of urban development projects (AboulNaga and Amin 1996; Kim and Rigdon 1998; Seo et al. 2006; Department of the Environment and Heritage 2006).There are significant socio-technical challenges to be overcome, however. Foremost among these is a scientifically validated assessment tool that is acceptable across all stakeholder groups in the sector.
