An integrated approach for sustainability in the application of industrialised building system (IBS)

Abstract

Malaysia is committed to improve deliverables of construction industry especially in meeting the sustainable objectives. Lack of systematic tools and poor collaboration between key stakeholders have been identified as the main barriers to meet the objectives. The purpose of this paper is to present an integrated approach that can be able to assist designers, who are at the forefront in decision making, to select the best strategies that have been shown to be effective in promoting sustainability for IBS application. Questionnaire survey and interviews of the local practitioners were conducted to identify critical factors and provide recommendations on how to enhance sustainability by holistically addressing the identified issues during IBS design. SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis framework was used to help decision-makers maximise the opportunities by using available strengths, avoid weaknesses, and diagnose possible threats in the examined issues. From the statistical analysis, eighteen critical factors relevant to IBS sustainability have been ranked. The guidelines were formulated based on the results from interviews to local practitioners and may be used as part of the project briefing documents for IBS designers. Holistic design strategies expand "Triple Bottom Lines" considerations in achieving sustainability. This study fills a current gap by responding to IBS project scenarios in developing countries. It also provides a balanced view for designers to better understand sustainability potential and prioritize attentions to manage sustainability issues in IBS applications.