A review of tools to assess the sustainability in building construction

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Resource management has always been a priority for mankind. From the early ages, when it was a fight for survival, humans have learned the importance of resource conservation. Today, the focus of resource management has not just stopped at the conservation of food but has evolved and entails an even larger picture. Moreover, technological advancements and growing population have added an additional burden on Mother Nature and her resources [1]. For instance, the uncontrolled chopping of trees for human use has not only resulted in loss of forests but has also increased environmental pollution. Humankind now understands the consequences of its actions and has come to terms with the fact that the resources are limited and should be preserved and conserved for future generations. This concept of sustainability, and the development stemming from it, has been applied to a variety of actions that have been the foremost consumers of resources for years. The building industry is one of the largest consumers in terms of natural resources, and one of the largest producers of pollution thereafter, which has been a cause for concern for scientists. According to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), in the United States [2] buildings account for: