A Framework to Embed Sustainability Concepts into the Design Processof Construction Projects in Iraq

Abstract

Unfortunately, sustainability is overlooked in the Iraqi design practice of construction projects. This is clear for it has led to the prevailing unsustainable built environment in Iraq. There is a great lack of attention paid to the environmental, economic and socialimpactsassessment,life-cycle assessment (LCA) and life-cycle cost assessment (LCCA) for the complete projects, components or materials used. The aim of this research is to build a framework to embed sustainability concepts into current design work phasesin Iraq based on (LEED) criteria for green building. The framework suggested in this research was subjected to evaluation by Iraqi consultants at three major engineering consultancy firms. Results of the importance (impact on performance)and applicabilityof the suggested frameworkshowed that it is highly reliablewith high Cronbach's Alpha values.This sustainable design frameworkis expected to be useful for the Iraqi Construction Sectorin enabling the utilization of greenbuildingcriteria in the design process.

Keywords

• sustainable design
• sustainable development
• green building