The application of environmental sustainability principles in housing construction projects: a case study of Solana Lubowa housing project

Abstract

This report provides the application of environmental sustainability principles in housing construction projects using the case study of Solana Lubowa housing project. It presents the implementation of the principles of environmental sustainability in the design and construction of the 306 residential units in Phase 1 of the project. Furthermore, presents a subjective summary of the application of environmental sustainability principles on the project. The introduction of the project covers the project background, problem statement, objectives, scope, project site location and finally the author’s involvement. More so, the report covers the Literature studies that been undertaken covering definitions and concepts of sustainable development in general and environmental sustainability in construction works. Further on, an overview of useful indicators of environmental sustainability for housing construction, and its advantages. In addition, the contract administration details such as the project works scope and the contract particulars of the four contractors and the supervising consultant are presented together with more highlights on the design review that was carried out and finally the current contract performance of the contractors and consultant. Furthermore, the report explores the application of the various environmental sustainability principles at Solana Lubowa Housing Project and provides a subjective summary of the extent of their implementation on the project focusing on the phase 1 which is currently under construction. Finally, the report presents the challenges observed and concludes that the principles of environmental sustainability were efficiently applied in Solana Lubowa Housing Project. The report further highlights that the conclusion made on the extent of application of the principles was based on literature, guidelines applied worldwide and the author’s professional and subjective judgment. Lastly, it points to some recommendations on how to improve the application of environmental sustainability principles in construction.