Short answer
Incorporate structured decision-making frameworks and digital tools to systematically evaluate and select materials, ensuring a balance between cost-effectiveness and environmental performance.
- Field
- Resource Management
- Source
- Journal of Building Construction and Planning Research (2013)
- Method
- Development of a prototype decision support system
- Evidence
- Moderate effect
A structured decision support system can significantly improve the selection of low-cost green building materials by systematically evaluating multiple criteria. This resource management research insight is drawn from a 2013 study published in Journal of Building Construction and Planning Research. Using Development of a prototype decision support system, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Incorporate structured decision-making frameworks and digital tools to systematically evaluate and select materials, ensuring a balance between cost-effectiveness and environmental performance.
Multi-Criteria Decision Support System (MCDSS) Optimizes Selection of Low-Cost Green Building Materials
A structured decision support system can significantly improve the selection of low-cost green building materials by systematically evaluating multiple criteria.
Journal of Building Construction and Planning Research · 2013
Key Findings
- 01A structured MCDSS can manage the complexity of selecting low-cost green building materials.
- 02The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) is a viable method for evaluating and prioritizing material options based on multiple criteria.
- 03Domain expert input and literature review are essential for populating the material database and defining selection criteria.
Application
Design takeaway
Incorporate structured decision-making frameworks and digital tools to systematically evaluate and select materials, ensuring a balance between cost-effectiveness and environmental performance.
How to apply
Develop or utilize a decision support tool that allows for the input of various material attributes (e.g., cost, embodied energy, recyclability, thermal performance) and uses a multi-criteria analysis method to rank options.
Project actions
- 01When selecting materials for a design project, consider creating a simple matrix to compare options based on key criteria.
- 02Research existing decision support tools or frameworks that can aid in material selection.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Addresses a practical problem in the construction industry.
- +Proposes a systematic and quantifiable approach to a subjective decision-making process.
Limitations
The complexity of real-world material sourcing and availability might not be fully captured by a simplified model. Expert opinions can also be subjective.
Reliability & validity
Reliability would depend on the consistency of the AHP weighting process and the stability of the material database. Validity would be assessed by how well the system's recommendations align with expert judgment and actual project outcomes.
Think critically
To what extent can a purely quantitative MCDSS account for qualitative factors like aesthetic appeal or local availability when selecting building materials?
Design Principles
"Systematic evaluation of multiple criteria is essential for optimal material selection in complex design challenges."
The construction industry faces increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices. Developing tools that simplify the complex decision-making process for selecting environmentally friendly yet affordable materials is crucial for widespread adoption and impact.
What This Means for Your Design
It's hard to pick the best eco-friendly building materials that are also cheap. This study shows that a computer program can help by looking at all the different factors (like cost, how good it is for the environment, and how well it works) to suggest the best options.
How to use in your project
- 1.Reference this study when discussing the challenges of material selection and how a systematic approach can lead to better outcomes in your design project.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
The selection of appropriate materials is a critical aspect of design, particularly when balancing cost-effectiveness with environmental considerations. Research by Yang and Ogunkah (2013) highlights the utility of Multi-Criteria Decision Support Systems (MCDSS) in navigating the complexities of choosing low-cost green building materials. Their work demonstrates that a structured approach, employing methods like the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP), can systematically evaluate multiple attributes, leading to more informed and optimized material choices for sustainable design projects.
Source
Journal of Building Construction and Planning Research
A Multi-Criteria Decision Support System for the Selection of Low-Cost Green Building Materials and Components
journal · 2013
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about multi-criteria decision support system (mcdss) optimizes selection of low-cost green building materials?
- Incorporate structured decision-making frameworks and digital tools to systematically evaluate and select materials, ensuring a balance between cost-effectiveness and environmental performance. Evidence: Journal of Building Construction and Planning Research (2013).
- Why does "Multi-Criteria Decision Support System (MCDSS) Optimizes Selection of Low-Cost Green Building Materials" matter for design?
- The construction industry faces increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices. Developing tools that simplify the complex decision-making process for selecting environmentally friendly yet affordable materials is crucial for widespread adoption and impact.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Incorporate structured decision-making frameworks and digital tools to systematically evaluate and select materials, ensuring a balance between cost-effectiveness and environmental performance.
- What were the main findings?
- A structured MCDSS can manage the complexity of selecting low-cost green building materials.. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) is a viable method for evaluating and prioritizing material options based on multiple criteria.. Domain expert input and literature review are essential for populating the material database and defining selection criteria.
- What research method was used?
- Development of a prototype decision support system.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Moderate effect, based on a 2013 journal from Journal of Building Construction and Planning Research.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- Develop or utilize a decision support tool that allows for the input of various material attributes (e.g., cost, embodied energy, recyclability, thermal performance) and uses a multi-criteria analysis method to rank options.
- What are the limitations?
- The prototype was developed using Excel macros, which may have limitations in scalability and user interface compared to dedicated software. The effectiveness is dependent on the quality and comprehensiveness of the input data and expert knowledge.