WACHMO UNIVESITY

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY
AND MANAGEMENT

Werku K. Hareru (Ph.D, PE)

Construction Engineering
Sustainable Construction
Email: [email protected] CoTM6026
Mobile: +252 637048441
 • 1st Degree in Construction Technology, Adama Science
2007- and Technology University, 2010
2010

• M.Sc. in Construction Engineering and Management,

2012- Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi, India 2015
2015

• Ph.D., in Construction Engineering and Management,

Werku Koshe Hareru, Ph.D Jimma University Institute of Technology, Ethiopia
Associate Professor
[email protected]
2016-2020 and Texas Tech University, USA 2020
+252 65 7048441

Home Address • Associate Prof. in Construction Engineering and

Dire Dawa University, Ethiopia
2024-now management
PO.Box 1362
 Course Content
Principles and practices of sustainable infrastructure design and
Construction.
Sustainable construction, design, materials and energy resources
Waste utilization and waste management in construction sites
Alternate building materials, technologies, energy conservation
Green building techniques
Application of sustainability in construction projects
Principles of life cycle assessment (LCA) and life cycle costs
(LCC)
Alternative strategies
C
C
 CHAPTER ONE

Principles and practices of sustainable

infrastructure design and Construction
 Sustainable infrastructure design

• The objective of sustainable design is to reduce energy

consumption, carbon emissions and waste in the
construction, operation and maintenance of a house.
 Key principles of Sustainable Design
1. Passive Design
The sun, wind and shade are free natural resources that can be used to
light, heat and cool spaces.

*Passive Design utilizes these resources by working with the specific

conditions and climate of a site.

A house using good passive design can be thermally comfortable all

year round, without the need for additional heating and cooling.
 Key principles of Sustainable Design
1. Passive Design
Passive Design
 Key principles of Sustainable Design

2. Energy efficiency

❖ Heating and cooling are the largest consumers of energy in a home.

❖ By reducing the need for heating and cooling, the energy
consumption and carbon emissions of a home can be reduced.
❖ Passive design principles provide the foundation for creating such an
energy-efficient home: well ventilated, insulated and airtight.
2. Energy efficiency
 Key principles of Sustainable Design
3. Water conservation
❖ Water efficiency is key in ensuring sustainability in building design
since it is becoming an increasingly rare resource.
❖ Water conservation in design emphasizes reducing water
consumption and promoting efficient water management in both
indoor and outdoor spaces.
3. Water conservation
 Key principles of Sustainable Design
4. Sustainable building materials
❖ Sustainable materials can be reused, recycled, or composted after use.
❖ The most commonly used sustainable building materials include:
Clay Bricks,
Granite Slabs,
Slate Shingles,
Recycled Plastic Lumber (RPL),
Bamboo Flooring,
Bamboo Plywood
Bamboo Reinforced
Principles of
Sustainable
Design and
Construction.
 Sustainable Building Construction
1. Site Selection & Planning
Minimizing disruption to ecosystems

Utilizing previously developed or brownfield sites

Designing for natural light, ventilation, and orientation

 Sustainable Building Construction
2. Energy Efficiency
High-performance insulation and windows
Passive solar design
Energy-efficient HVAC systems
Use of renewable energy (solar, wind, geothermal)
Smart energy management systems
 Sustainable Building Construction
3. Water Conservation
Low-flow plumbing fixtures

Rainwater harvesting systems Greywater recycling

Greywater recycling

Drought-resistant landscaping
 Sustainable Building Construction
4. Sustainable Materials
Use of recycled, reclaimed, or rapidly renewable materials

Locally sourced materials to reduce transportation emissions

Low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints and finishes

Durable materials that reduce the need for frequent replacement

 Sustainable Building Construction
5. Waste Reduction
Construction waste management plans

Prefabricated or modular components to reduce on-site waste

Design for deconstruction (easy disassembly and material reuse)

 Sustainable Building Construction
6. Indoor Environmental Quality
Natural lighting and ventilation

Non-toxic materials to improve air quality

Acoustic design for comfort

Thermal comfort and indoor temperature control

 Sustainable Building Construction
7. Lifecycle Considerations
Life-cycle assessment (LCA) to evaluate environmental impacts over time

Planning for adaptability and future reuse of buildings

Carbon footprint reduction over the building’s lifespan

 1. Waste Management in Construction
A. Sources of Construction Waste
Demolition waste: concrete, bricks, timber, metal, plaster, glass
Construction activities: packaging, off-cuts, damaged materials, surplus
materials
Site operations: food waste, administrative waste, temporary works
materials
 1. Waste Management in Construction
B. Types of Construction Waste
Inert waste: concrete, sand, bricks (non-biodegradable, non-
hazardous)
Non-inert waste: plastics, wood, insulation (can be biodegradable or
recyclable)
Hazardous waste: paints, adhesives, asbestos, treated wood (requires
special handling)
 1. Waste Management in Construction
C. Waste Management Strategies
Waste minimization: Accurate planning and design, avoiding over-ordering
Segregation: Sorting waste at source into different types (metal, wood, plastic, etc.)
On-site waste sorting stations
Proper storage and handling to prevent damage or contamination
Documentation: tracking waste quantities, types, and disposal methods
 2. Waste Utilization in Construction
A. Reuse of Materials
Wood: reused for scaffolding, formwork, furniture
Bricks & blocks: cleaned and reused in non-load-bearing structures
Steel & metal: reshaped or recycled with minimal degradation
Glass: reused in decorative elements or recycled
 2. Waste Utilization in Construction
B. Recycling of Waste
Concrete: crushed and used as aggregate for new concrete or road base
Asphalt: reused in road resurfacing
Gypsum board: recycled into new drywall or used in cement manufacturing
Plastic: recycled into construction panels, piping, or insulation
Paper/cardboard: recycled into packaging or wallboards
 2. Waste Utilization in Construction
C. Innovative Utilization
Fly ash (from coal plants): used as a cement substitute
Ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS): used to replace Portland cement
Recycled aggregates: replacing natural stone in concrete
Construction waste composites: panels made from mixed recycled waste
 3. Sustainable Waste Practices

Design for waste reduction: modular design, efficient material layouts

Off-site fabrication: reduces on-site waste
Lean construction: minimizing waste throughout the construction process
Green procurement: selecting suppliers who practice sustainable manufacturing
Circular construction models: designing buildings for future disassembly and reuse
Waste Management Hierarchy
Alternate Building Materials, Technologies, and Energy Conservation
 I. Alternate Building Materials
Materials that serve as substitutes for conventional construction materials
(like cement, steel, bricks, etc.), often with a lower environmental impact.
Examples

Fly Ash Bricks

Criteria Clay Bricks Fly Ash Bricks
Fly ash (industrial waste),
Raw Materials Natural clay (topsoil)
cement/lime, gypsum
Molding → Drying → Firing at Compressed and cured (no high-
Manufacturing Process
high temperature temperature firing)
High (depletes fertile soil, emits Low (utilizes waste, reduces
Environmental Impact
CO₂) landfill and emissions)
Compressive Strength ~3–4 MPa ~7–10 MPa (varies by mix)
Water Absorption 15–20% 10–12%
Shape and Size Accuracy Irregular, manual moulding Uniform, machine-moulded
Drying Shrinkage Higher (can cause cracks) Lower
Weight Heavier Lighter (easier to handle)
Criteria Clay Bricks Fly Ash Bricks
Better—resistant to salinity and water
Durability Good
absorption
Efflorescence High tendency Low tendency
Slightly costlier initially, but more
Cost Generally cheaper (in some regions)
durable
Faster due to uniformity and less
Construction Efficiency Slower due to irregular shape
mortar required
Not sustainable (uses Sustainable (recycles
Sustainability topsoil, high energy) industrial waste)
Fire Resistance High High
Weight Heavier Lighter (easier to handle)
 I. Alternate Building Materials
Material Description Benefits
Fly Ash Bricks Made from fly ash, lime, and gypsum Reduces waste, good insulation

Compressed Stabilized Earth Earth blocks compressed with a small

Low carbon, reusable
Blocks (CSEB) amount of cement

Bamboo Rapidly renewable natural resource High strength-to-weight ratio, flexible

Recycled Plastic Blocks Blocks made from waste plastic Diverts plastic waste, durable

Thermal insulation, less material

Autoclaved Concrete Lightweight, precast concrete blocks
usage
 II. Alternative Construction Technologies
A. Precast and Prefabricated Systems
Reduced site waste and construction time.
Energy-efficient manufacturing
On-site digital fabrication using eco-friendly mixes.
Reduces labor and material costs

B. 3D Printing in Construction
II. Alternative Construction Technologies
 II. Alternative Construction Technologies
B. 3D Printing in Construction
Why 3D Printing Is Sustainable in Construction?

1. Material Efficiency and Waste Reduction

Compared to traditional construction (which can waste up to
30% of materials), 3D printing reduces construction waste by up to
60–80%.
Can use recycled materials (e.g., recycled plastics, fly ash,
concrete alternatives).
 II. Alternative Construction Technologies
B. 3D Printing in Construction
Why 3D Printing Is Sustainable in Construction?

2. Use of Eco-Friendly Materials

Many 3D printers now support green materials such as:
Geopolymer concrete
Earth-based mixtures (mud, clay, natural fibers)
Recycled aggregate
Reduces reliance on cement, which is a major contributor to
CO₂ emissions.
 II. Alternative Construction Technologies
B. 3D Printing in Construction
Why 3D Printing Is Sustainable in Construction?

3. Energy Efficiency
Less energy required for transportation and machinery, since
structures or components are printed on-site or in close proximity.
Faster build times mean lower overall energy use for equipment,
labor, and site operations.
 II. Alternative Construction Technologies
B. 3D Printing in Construction
Why 3D Printing Is Sustainable in Construction?

4. Design Optimization
3D printing allows for complex geometries that optimize:
❖ Structural strength (less material, same load-bearing)
❖ Thermal performance (passive cooling designs, curved walls)
 II. Alternative Construction Technologies
B. 3D Printing in Construction
Why 3D Printing Is Sustainable in Construction?

5. Time-Saving and Labor Efficiency

Projects that typically take weeks can be printed in hours or days.
Reduces the need for large labor forces, which:
Lowers the human carbon footprint
Decreases energy and logistics for site management
 II. Alternative Construction Technologies
B. 3D Printing in Construction
Why 3D Printing Is Sustainable in Construction?

6. Cost-Effectiveness (Long-Term)
Although the setup cost is high, over time, 3D printing saves:
Material costs
Labor costs
Time-related overheads
Affordable housing solutions are being explored using 3D
printed homes in disaster-prone and low-income areas
 II. Alternative Construction Technologies
Sustainability Factor 3D Printing Contribution
Material usage Reduced waste, recyclable inputs
Energy use Efficient, lower emissions
Emissions Less CO₂ than conventional concrete
Reduced build time and on-site
Speed and labor
workforce
Optimized for energy and space
Design adaptability
efficiency
 II. Alternative Construction Technologies
C. Modular Construction
 II. Alternative Construction Technologies
C. Modular Construction
Modular construction involves building structures off-site in prefabricated
sections (modules), which are then transported and assembled on-site.

Types of Modular Construction

•Permanent Modular Construction (PMC): Modules become part
of the permanent structure.
•Relocatable Buildings: Temporary structures for schools, disaster
relief, etc.
 II. Alternative Construction Technologies
C. Modular Construction
3. Key Advantages
Category Benefit
Speed Faster construction (30–50% time savings)

Quality Factory-controlled processes ensure precision and consistency

Cost Reduced labor and time costs

Waste Minimal material waste due to controlled environment

Sustainability Less site disturbance, lower emissions, recyclable materials

Safety Safer conditions in factory settings than on-site construction

Weather Independence Not affected by rain, wind, or temperature delays

 II. Alternative Construction Technologies
C. Modular Construction
4. MC Sustainability Benefits

Reduced waste: Standardized cuts and recycling within

factories.
Lower energy use: Efficient manufacturing and insulation
options.
Reuse potential: Modules can be relocated or repurposed.
Smaller environmental footprint: Shorter construction
timeline and reduced site impact.
 II. Alternative Construction Technologies
C. Modular Construction
5. Challenges and Limitations

Transport logistics for large modules.

Design limitations due to modular standardization.
Initial investment in factories and technologies.
Regulatory approval varies by region and may slow
adoption.
 II. Alternative Construction Technologies
C. Modular Construction
6. Common Applications
Residential buildings (apartments, tiny homes)
Hotels and dormitories
Hospitals and clinics
Classrooms and schools
Offices and retail spaces
 II. Alternative Construction Technologies
C. Modular Construction
7. Real-World Examples

Broad Group (China): Built a 57-story building in 19 days using modular Ethiopian Experience
methodsv
 III. Challenges and Barriers
Higher initial cost of some alternative materials.
Lack of awareness and skilled labor.
Limited availability of materials in remote regions.
Regulatory and policy limitations.
 IV. Implementation Strategies

Government incentives and green building codes.

Research and development of local material alternatives.
Training programs for builders and engineers.
Public-private partnerships for demonstration projects.
Green building techniques