0
  • DE
  • EN
  • FR
  • International Database and Gallery of Structures

Advertisement

LEED as a tool for enhancing affordable housing sustainability in Saudi Arabia

The case of Al-Ghala project

Author(s):
Medium: journal article
Language(s): English
Published in: Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, , n. 3, v. 2
Page(s): 224-250
DOI: 10.1108/sasbe-02-2013-0009
Abstract:

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to enhance sustainability in affordable housing in Saudi Arabia within an effective locally adopted sustainability assessment tool by discussing the multi interdisciplinary concept of sustainability in the built environment and introducing environmental indicators which are recently developed to foster environmentally responsible practices. The study aim expands beyond proposing sustainable feasible alternatives for existing affordable housing project in Saudi Arabia, namely, Al-Ghala project, to appropriating the measuring tool itself to make the review process easier, faster and more effective.

Design/methodology/approach

Al-Ghala project, a typical affordable housing project is selected to act as a case study for this research. The housing units are assessed according to LEED to obtain the overall evaluation which obviously reflects the quality of the project sustainability. Elements that negatively affect the score and suggested feasible remedies are then identified, as well as inapplicable and inappropriate LEED components. The data were complemented by observation, interviews with occupants and project management team, monthly consumption rates of water and electricity, in addition to computer modelling and analysis by Ecotect and Green Building Studio.

Findings

Sustainability in affordable housing requires a holistic framework that promotes environmentally responsible practices including design, construction and management phases. LEED provides evidence that it can considerably contribute in enhancing sustainability of post-occupied affordable housing units by identifying points of weakness that lead to inefficient use of energy, water and materials; paving the way for a wide range of sustainable modifications. In addition, for LEED to be competent in Saudi Arabia a native version needs to be developed in which local circumstances are taken into consideration.

Research limitations/implications

According to the wide range of subjects covered by LEED, some elements could not be measured in depth. Impact of modifications proposed for LEED needs to be tested further.

Practical implications

The paper includes implications for the development of feasible environmentally sensitive affordable housing in Saudi Arabia.

Originality/value

This paper fulfills an identified need to study how affordable housing can be made sustainable.

Structurae cannot make the full text of this publication available at this time. The full text can be accessed through the publisher via the DOI: 10.1108/sasbe-02-2013-0009.
  • About this
    data sheet
  • Reference-ID
    10780008
  • Published on:
    12/05/2024
  • Last updated on:
    12/05/2024
 
Structurae cooperates with
International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering (IABSE)
e-mosty Magazine
e-BrIM Magazine