Short answer

Designers should prioritize the development and utilization of data-driven frameworks to systematically evaluate and select low-cost green building materials, ensuring both environmental and economic objectives are met.

Field: Sustainability
Source: WestminsterResearch (University of Westminster) (2013)
Method: Mixed-methods approach (literature review, expert interviews, surveys).
Sample: 210 participants (from 480 questionnaires distributed).
Evidence: Moderate effect

A structured framework, informed by expert opinion and data analysis, can significantly improve the selection of low-cost green building materials in housing construction. This sustainability research insight is drawn from a 2013 study published in WestminsterResearch (University of Westminster). Using Mixed-methods approach (literature review, expert interviews, surveys). with 210 participants (from 480 questionnaires distributed)., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Designers should prioritize the development and utilization of data-driven frameworks to systematically evaluate and select low-cost green building materials, ensuring both environmental and economic objectives are met.

Study

SustainabilityHigh ImpactModerate effect

Cost-Effective Green Material Selection Framework for Housing

A structured framework, informed by expert opinion and data analysis, can significantly improve the selection of low-cost green building materials in housing construction.

WestminsterResearch (University of Westminster) · 2013

Key Findings

01The need for appropriate and informed data is crucial for material selection decisions.
02A methodological framework can depict ranked factors for sustainable low-cost green housing.

Application

Design takeaway

How to apply

When designing housing projects with budget constraints, create a checklist of sustainability criteria and cost targets, then research materials that meet both, using expert consultations or existing databases to inform the final choice.

Project actions

01Clearly define your project's sustainability goals and budget limitations.
02Research available green materials and gather data on their cost, performance, and environmental impact.

Method & Evidence

AimTo identify and rank the key influential factors for the informed selection of low-cost green building materials in sustainable housing projects.

MethodMixed-methods approach (literature review, expert interviews, surveys).

ProcedureConducted an extensive literature review, followed by knowledge-mining interviews and industry-wide surveys with design and building professionals in Nigeria. Analyzed questionnaire data using statistical methods to identify and rank critical factors affecting material selection.

Sample210 participants (from 480 questionnaires distributed).

ContextHousing construction industry in Nigeria.

Variables

IVFactors influencing the selection of low-cost green building materials (e.g., cost, availability, performance, environmental impact, policy).

DVSelection of low-cost green building materials for housing construction.

CVHousing construction industry, Nigeria.

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Utilizes a mixed-methods approach for comprehensive data collection.
+Involves expert opinions and industry professionals, enhancing practical relevance.

Limitations

The availability of specific low-cost green materials can vary significantly by region, impacting the universal applicability of certain choices.

Reliability & validity

The study's reliability and validity are supported by the mixed-methods approach, expert input, and statistical analysis of survey data. However, the generalizability of findings is limited by the specific context (Nigeria).

Think critically

How can the framework developed in this study be adapted to different geographical or economic contexts, and what new factors might become influential?

Design Principles

"Informed material selection for sustainable construction requires a balance of cost, environmental impact, and performance data, guided by a structured decision-making process."

Designers and engineers often face challenges in balancing sustainability goals with budget constraints. This research offers a systematic approach to identify and prioritize materials that are both environmentally responsible and economically viable, leading to more accessible sustainable housing solutions.

What This Means for Your Design

To build houses that are good for the environment and don't cost too much, designers need a clear way to choose the right materials, using information and expert advice.

How to use in your project

1.Use the findings to justify your material choices in your design project, referencing the importance of data and structured selection processes for sustainability.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

This research highlights the critical need for informed decision-making in selecting low-cost green building materials. By developing and applying a structured framework that considers expert insights and empirical data, designers can effectively balance sustainability objectives with economic constraints, leading to more accessible and responsible housing solutions.

Source

WestminsterResearch (University of Westminster)

Analysis of factors affecting the selection of low-cost green building materials in housing construction

journal · 2013

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about cost-effective green material selection framework for housing?: Designers should prioritize the development and utilization of data-driven frameworks to systematically evaluate and select low-cost green building materials, ensuring both environmental and economic objectives are met. Evidence: WestminsterResearch (University of Westminster) (2013).
Why does "Cost-Effective Green Material Selection Framework for Housing" matter for design?: Designers and engineers often face challenges in balancing sustainability goals with budget constraints. This research offers a systematic approach to identify and prioritize materials that are both environmentally responsible and economically viable, leading to more accessible sustainable housing solutions.
How can designers apply this research?: Designers should prioritize the development and utilization of data-driven frameworks to systematically evaluate and select low-cost green building materials, ensuring both environmental and economic objectives are met.
What were the main findings?: The need for appropriate and informed data is crucial for material selection decisions.. A methodological framework can depict ranked factors for sustainable low-cost green housing.
What research method was used?: Mixed-methods approach (literature review, expert interviews, surveys). with 210 participants (from 480 questionnaires distributed)..
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2013 journal from WestminsterResearch (University of Westminster).
What should I do differently in my next project?: When designing housing projects with budget constraints, create a checklist of sustainability criteria and cost targets, then research materials that meet both, using expert consultations or existing databases to inform the final choice.
What are the limitations?: The findings are specific to the Nigerian context and may not be directly generalizable to other regions without further validation.