Construction ecology and metabolism: natural system analogues for a sustainable built environment
Series: Construction Management and Economics ; 18(8) December 2000, 903-916(14)Publication details: 2000Subject(s): Summary: Argues that there needs to be a change in the way that resources are used if the construction industry, which accounts for 40% of all extracted materials and 30% of national energy consumption in the United States, is to become truly sustainable. This will involve the substitution of renewables for non-renewables, the reduction of high levels of waste through reuse and recycling, and the selection of materials based on life-cycle costs rather than by financial cost alone. Compares construction with other industries and claims that it can learn from natural systems and the emerging discipline of construction ecology and that this will allow it to meet the ideals of sustainability. References.| Item type | Current library | Call number | Copy number | Status | Barcode | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Journal article | London Journal article | ABS63396 (Browse shelf(Opens below)) | 1 | Available | 110537-1001 |
Argues that there needs to be a change in the way that resources are used if the construction industry, which accounts for 40% of all extracted materials and 30% of national energy consumption in the United States, is to become truly sustainable. This will involve the substitution of renewables for non-renewables, the reduction of high levels of waste through reuse and recycling, and the selection of materials based on life-cycle costs rather than by financial cost alone. Compares construction with other industries and claims that it can learn from natural systems and the emerging discipline of construction ecology and that this will allow it to meet the ideals of sustainability. References.