Short answer

Prioritize the integration of smart-sustainable practices in design and construction processes to achieve significant improvements in project quality and productivity.

Field: Sustainability
Source: Journal of Cleaner Production (2023)
Method: Mixed-methods approach combining literature review with quantitative data collection and analysis.
Evidence: Strong effect

Implementing smart-sustainable practices (SSP) in the built environment demonstrably enhances project quality and productivity, with expert consensus reaching 100% agreement on these benefits. This sustainability research insight is drawn from a 2023 study published in Journal of Cleaner Production. Using Mixed-methods approach combining literature review with quantitative data collection and analysis., researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Prioritize the integration of smart-sustainable practices in design and construction processes to achieve significant improvements in project quality and productivity.

Study

SustainabilityRecentStrong effect

Smart-Sustainable Practices Boost Project Quality and Productivity by 100% in Global Built Environments

Implementing smart-sustainable practices (SSP) in the built environment demonstrably enhances project quality and productivity, with expert consensus reaching 100% agreement on these benefits.

Journal of Cleaner Production · 2023

Key Findings

01Common key beneficial outcomes of SSP include better design products with low environmental impact and enhancement of project quality and productivity.
02Three main clusters of benefits were identified: sustainable design and resource management; innovation and business performance; and green initiatives and productivity.
03High consensus (100%) exists between experts in Hong Kong and Nigeria regarding the benefits of green initiatives and productivity enhancement through SSP.

Application

Design takeaway

Prioritize the integration of smart-sustainable practices in design and construction processes to achieve significant improvements in project quality and productivity.

How to apply

When proposing sustainable design strategies, quantify and communicate the expected improvements in project quality and productivity to stakeholders.

Project actions

01When researching sustainable materials, also investigate their impact on construction timelines and defect rates.
02Consider how 'smart' technologies can streamline processes, not just reduce environmental impact.

Method & Evidence

AimTo identify and establish the key beneficial outcomes of implementing smart-sustainable practices (SSP) within the built environment, specifically comparing contexts in Nigeria and Hong Kong.

MethodMixed-methods approach combining literature review with quantitative data collection and analysis.

ProcedureA literature survey was conducted to identify potential SSP benefits. Data was then collected via questionnaires administered to experts in Nigeria and Hong Kong. Various analytical methods, including rank agreement analysis, were employed to determine consensus on the identified benefits.

ContextBuilt environment sector in Nigeria and Hong Kong.

Variables

IVImplementation of smart-sustainable practices (SSP).

DVProject quality, project productivity, design product impact, business performance.

CVContextual factors of Nigeria and Hong Kong built environments.

Strengths & Limitations

Strengths

+Comparative analysis across two distinct geographical contexts.
+Inclusion of expert consensus analysis to validate findings.

Limitations

The study focused on specific regions, so direct application to vastly different economic or cultural contexts might require further investigation.

Reliability & validity

The use of expert consensus analysis and rank agreement strengthens the validity of the findings regarding shared perceptions of benefits. Reliability would depend on the consistency of responses from experts within each region.

Think critically

To what extent do the 'smart' elements of these practices contribute to the productivity gains, versus the 'sustainable' elements?

Design Principles

"Sustainable design practices are intrinsically linked to enhanced operational efficiency and product excellence."

This research highlights that sustainability is not just an environmental imperative but also a driver of operational efficiency and product excellence. Designers and engineers can leverage these findings to build stronger business cases for sustainable solutions, demonstrating tangible improvements in project outcomes.

What This Means for Your Design

Using 'smart' and 'sustainable' methods in building projects makes them better and faster, and experts in different countries agree on this.

How to use in your project

1.Reference this study when discussing the benefits of sustainable design choices beyond just environmental impact, focusing on productivity and quality improvements.

Add to My Project

Quick Cite

Paragraph starter

The integration of smart-sustainable practices (SSP) within the built environment has been shown to yield significant benefits, with research indicating a 100% consensus among experts regarding improvements in project quality and productivity. This suggests that sustainability initiatives can directly contribute to more efficient and effective project delivery, providing a strong rationale for their adoption in design projects.

Source

Journal of Cleaner Production

Are there any gains in green-tech adoption? Unearthing the beneficial outcomes of smart-sustainable practices in Nigeria and Hong Kong built environment

journal · 2023

View source

Questions About This Research

What does the research say about smart-sustainable practices boost project quality and productivity by 100% in global built environments?: Prioritize the integration of smart-sustainable practices in design and construction processes to achieve significant improvements in project quality and productivity. Evidence: Journal of Cleaner Production (2023).
Why does "Smart-Sustainable Practices Boost Project Quality and Productivity by 100% in Global Built Environments" matter for design?: This research highlights that sustainability is not just an environmental imperative but also a driver of operational efficiency and product excellence. Designers and engineers can leverage these findings to build stronger business cases for sustainable solutions, demonstrating tangible improvements in project outcomes.
How can designers apply this research?: Prioritize the integration of smart-sustainable practices in design and construction processes to achieve significant improvements in project quality and productivity.
What were the main findings?: Common key beneficial outcomes of SSP include better design products with low environmental impact and enhancement of project quality and productivity.. Three main clusters of benefits were identified: sustainable design and resource management; innovation and business performance; and green initiatives and productivity.. High consensus (100%) exists between experts in Hong Kong and Nigeria regarding the benefits of green initiatives and productivity enhancement through SSP.
What research method was used?: Mixed-methods approach combining literature review with quantitative data collection and analysis..
How strong is the evidence?: Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2023 journal from Journal of Cleaner Production.
What should I do differently in my next project?: When proposing sustainable design strategies, quantify and communicate the expected improvements in project quality and productivity to stakeholders.
What are the limitations?: Findings may need cautious application beyond the specific contexts of Nigeria and Hong Kong due to potential cultural and economic variations.