Resource efficiency factors in industrialised construction – a study in developing economies

Abstract

Developing economies need to supply housing and ensure resource efficiency in the process. Industrialised construction, which increases productivity in construction, can be one means to deliver the needed housing. However, the resource efficiency of industrialised construction in developing economies is under-researched. This paper studies factors influencing resource efficiency in industrialised housing products from a perspective of value chain and environmental impact in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Nairobi, Kenya; and Cape Town, South Africa. Specifically, wall systems with varying degrees of industrialised construction implementation are studied. The study uncovers four main insights—first, the choice of materials influences the resource-efficiency of industrialised wall systems. However, the current value chain does not promote the adoption of new materials. Second, products used for industrialised wall systems are imported and incur added transportation-related impacts and beyond. Third, industrialised construction wall systems often use lightweight materials and have the potential for disassembly. However, end-users have reservations about such design strategies. Fourth, controlled production of wall systems reduces construction waste and increases the quality of products. Nevertheless, governments are currently promoting labour-intensive construction methods. Based on these insights, the paper concludes with recommendations, levers, and action points for stakeholders to promote resource efficiency in industrialised construction adoption.