Performance Criteria Priorities in Green Buildings: A Proof-of-Concept Study

Abstract

Green Buildings (GBs) are becoming increasingly popular as an alternative to resource-intensive traditional buildings. Like any other construction project, GB projects are subject to project management-related criteria, including cost, quality, and schedule performance. In addition to these criteria, GBs also include sustainability performance criteria. As a GB is being developed, some criteria may be prioritized over others. To understand the development and sustainability performance of GB projects, it is necessary to understand the priorities given to different performance criteria and the factors resulting in such priorities. Using the findings from an online survey of 46 GB professionals based in Australia and some Asian countries, it is realized that project management criteria are typically ranked higher in GB projects compared to sustainability performance criteria. The survey has also revealed that these priorities of performance criteria are driven by the choice of owner/developer, obligations from state development authorities, developer's market position, investor requirements, etc. Performance criteria priorities in GBs are also found to be associated with regional factors such as climate, availability of natural resources, regulations, and culture. The findings of this study will support the theoretical development in the field of GB project management by leading to in-depth inquiries in this area.