Durban, South Africa

Association of Schools of Construction of Southern Africa The Eleventh Built Environment Conference 6 - 8 August 2017, Durban, South Africa

Conference Proceedings

CONTENTS Session: Construction Education and Training An Analysis of Types of Assessment Questions and Cognitive Loading in Undergraduate Students of Construction Studies at the University of KwaZulu-Natal Ephraim Zulu and Theo C. Haupt….....……………………………....

1

Enhancing Self Learning through Assessment: The Case of UKZN Jaison Konar and Nishani Harinarain……………………………………

15

Exploring Tertiary Education Trust Fund Projects Success Delivery in the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria- Nigeria from Stakeholders Perspectives Gambo Sanusi, Mustapha Abdullahi Iliyasu, Winston Shakantu and Kabir Ibrahim………………………………….......................................

27

Good-To-Great Concept: A Novel Approach for Addressing the Skills Gap in Architectural Design Firms in Developing Countries Dana A. A. Sokkar, Heba A. I. Elsaay,Ayman A. E. Othman, Justus N. Agumba.....……………………………...............................

37

ICT in the Training of South African Bricklaying Operatives: A Pilot in the Greater Johannesburg Area Ozumba A.O.U., Botjie T, Daya B and Leonard JS…………………

47

Innovative Solutions for Lecture Venues: The Students Perspective Jhavan Sigamoney Pillay and Nishani Harinarain……………………

58

Investigating the impact of Accreditation on Quantity surveying programmes and the professional preparedness of graduates Theo C. Haupt and Zakheeya Armoed …………………………………

70

Monitoring and Evaluation of the Mentoring Programme for the Bachelor of technology students: A case study of Durban University of Technology Ivan Govender, Elke Hefer and Krishna Ramphal…………………

88

Multilingualism in a Monolingual South African Built Environment Pierre Oosthuizen………………………………………………………..

98

Perceptions and experiences regarding the use of alternative building technologies in school infrastructure in the Eastern Cape Province Bonisile Ngxito and Kahilu Kajimo-Shakantu……………………....

111

Technology for Instructors: A Pilot study F.C. Fester, N. Harinarain ……………………………………….….

123

The Efficacy of introducing inquiry based learning in construction education to improve the skills of construction graduates in South Africa Adesoji Tunbosun Jaiyeola, Nishani Harinarain and Theodore C. Haupt……………………………………………………………………

135

The future of Universities, the possibility of the using social media and portable devices Nompumelelo W. Khumalo and Nishani Harinarain…………………

146

The impact of housing quality on the studies of Construction Studies Students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal Fezile Bukeka Lovedorado Nala and Nishani Harinarain………….

155

Session: Construction Innovation A Decision Tree Framework for the Assessment of Construction Delays Hendrik Prinsloo, Martinus Maritz………………………………………

164

An investigation into the key factors causing construction waste in Polokwane, Capricorn Municipality District of South Africa Mewomo MC, Aigbavboa CO and Maja MR ………………..………

176

Analysing Hidden Lean Practices in Construction: An Eastern Cape Study Lesiba George Mollo, Fidelis Emuze, and Lonwabo Fityoli………..

186

Analysis of Factors Influencing Productivity in South African Construction Oluseyi Adebowale and John Smallwood………………………….….

200

Assessment of alternative building systems available in South Africa based on sustainability indicators Frazer Howard Smith, Vittorio Tramontin, Cristina Trois……………

213

Building Contracts, a method to manage construction processes: A South African perspective Hendri du Plessis and Pierre Oosthuizen ………………………..…..

224

Cloud Computing, a possibility for the Construction Industry Makwela Galane and Dr Nishani Harinarain….……………………

238

Effectiveness of client involvement in construction projects: A contractor perspective P. S Chigangacha and T. C. Haupt…………………………………

248

Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) to determine critical success factors of managing joint venture construction projects in South Africa Bekale Marie Francoise, JustusAgumba and Nazeem Ansary…..

266

Fostering Innovation through Managing Diversity in Architectural Design Firms in Developing Countries Ghada Adel, Heba Elsaay, Ayman Othman and Nishani Harinarain……………………………………………………………….

279

Market Availability of Information and Communication Technologies and their adoption in Site Management in South Africa Aghaegbuna Ozumba and Winston Shakantu……………………..

299

The effectiveness of Quick Response Codes on construction materials in South Africa Tashmika Ramdav and Nishani Harinarain…………………………

311

The efficacy of innovative technology in improving the performance of low costhousing in South Africa: A case study Llewellyn van Wyk………….…………………………………………

321

Session: Construction Labour Challenges An investigation into the employment of persons with disabilities in the KwaZulu Natal (KZN) construction industry Sheldon Govender and Theo C. Haupt ……………………….……

333

Perceptions on the Cost Provision for Construction Health and Safety in South Africa Theodore C. Haupt and Elke Hefer……………………………………

345

Views of Construction Accident Analysis in Bloemfontein Fidelis Emuze and Madikane Yolisa………………………………..

356

Session: Infrastructure Challenges Evaluation of stakeholder influence on affordable housing delivery during production processes Akinyede Imisioluseyi Julius , Fapohunda Julius Ayodeji and Haldwang Rainer ………………………………………………….…...

367

Feasability of active design Liezl Knobel, Tascha Bremer and Mart-Mari Els…………………….

379

Mainstreaming Social Sustainability into Infrastructure Delivery Systems: Are There Any Benefits? A Stakeholders’ Perspective Bankole Awuzie and Thabiso Monyane………………………………

387

Prevalent types of errors in Construction Contract Documents Oluwaseun Dosumo and Clinton AIigbavboa………………………..

401

The extent of practice of Total Quality Management (TQM) in the maintenance of university buildings in South Africa Akinlolu M.T., Ndihokubwayo R and Simpeh F……………………..

413

Session: International Construction A field study investigating the role of talent management as a novel approach for developing innovative solutions for Egyptian heritage communities’ development Mohamed H. M. H. Khalil, Heba A. I. El Saay, Ayman A. E. Othman and Justus N. Agumba………………………………..………………..

426

Case Study on the quality of tenders submitted by Occupational Health and Safety Professionals in the South African built environment Cathy Mphahlele and Llewellyn van Wyk………………………….….

440

Effects of Cash Flow on Project Delivery in the Nigerian Construction Industry Omopariola Emmanuel Dele, Lowe, G. John and Abimbola Windapo………………………………………………………………….

452

It’s good for you don’t worry: A comparison of South African and the UK consultation protocols Nthatisi Khatleli , Matlhari Baloyi, Lindokuhle Gushu and Irshaad Khan………………………………………………………………….…...

464

Public Procurement reforms in Ghana: Impact on the growth of the local Construction Industry Christopher Amoah and A Winston Shakantu…………...…………..

477

Session: Public Sector Contracting Improving construction project performance in the South African public sector Vukela, R, Kahilu Kajimo-Shakantu and Ncedo Cameron Xhala……

492

Integrated Project Delivery System Implementation in the public sector in South Africa: A Pilot Study Thamini Moodley and Theo C. Haupt................................................

506

Managing demand risk in South African transport public private partnership projects Khatleli Nthatisi, Sweta Dalal, Muhammed Hafejee and Elphas Nobela..……………………………………………………………………

514

Occupants’ satisfaction with indoor environmental quality of social mass housing projects in South Africa Clinton Aigbavboa and Oluwaseun Dosumu………………………….

528

Risk Assessment For The Importation Of Bitumen For Road Construction Into South Africa C H Hanekom and J A vB Strasheim………….………….…………..

540

Session: SME Contractor Development Critical success metrics for measuring construction project success in small and medium enterprises: an exploratory factor analysis study Berenger Renault, Justus Agumba and Nazeem Ansary…………

554

Strategic Alliances amongst the SMME Contractors: A Driver towards Strategic Capabilities and competencies Anugwo Iruka and Shakantu Winston…………………….…………..

568

Why do women-owned construction firms fail in KwaZulu-Natal? A preliminary study Theo C. Haupt and Jabulile Ndmande.………….…………….……..

582

Session: Sustainable Construction A conceptual framework for organizational culture, organizational structure, and sustainable construction O.I Bamgbade and O.K Babatunde…………………………….………

592

A Field study investigating the development of green buildings in developing countries: A sustainable project management approach Salma H. Nassar, Heba A. I. El Saay, Ayman A. E. Othman and Nishani Harinarain……………………………………………………..

607

An Analysis of Sustainable Rating Systems in Respect to Communities for Implementation in Developing Countries Kingu N., Tramontin V. and Stretch D …………..…………………..

622

Barriers to the effective implementation of sustainable construction in the South African construction industry Mewomo MC, Aigbavboa CO and Thobakgale ME ……………..…..

633

Challenges to Implementing Environmental Management Plans in Construction projects in South Africa Primrose T. Nyamazana and Aghaegbuna Ozumba…..….………..

644

Delivering construction projects using innovative building technologies Naa Lamkai Ampofo-Anti………………………….. …………………

654

Industry perceptions on cost implications of going green in sustainable human settlements Greyling, C and Kajimo-Shakantu, K………………………….……..

667

Perimeter Walls Solar Heat Gain, a Mechanism for Building Design Ochuko Kelvin Overen, Edson Leroy Meyer and Golden Makaka……………………………………………………………………

680

Policy Analysis of Carbon Emissions in Housing Stock using System Dynamics Modelling Approach Michael G. Oladokun and Clinton O. Aigbavboa……………..……..

692

Social Resilience in Urban Areas Jeremy Gibberd………………………………………..………………

705

The effects and practical implications of dated development planning practices on the University of KwaZulu-Natal Msawakhe Mfusi and Nishani Harinarain……………………………

718

The Glass is always greener on the other side: A Case Study between two residential projects Bremer T, JC De Lange, Froise T and Els M.M……………………….

730

Towards sustainable human settlements in South Africa: emerging approaches through a case study analysis Vittorio Tramontin, Nombuso Nomfundo Qwabe…………………….

742

Water Resilience in Urban Areas Jeremy Gibberd………………………………………..………………..

755

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ASOCSA2017- 029

Assessment of alternative building systems available in South Africa based on sustainability indicators Frazer Howard Smith1, Vittorio Tramontin2, Cristina Trois3 1 [email protected], 2 [email protected], 3 [email protected] 1 University of KwaZulu-Natal, Civil Engineering Programme, Howard College Campus, Durban 4041, +27(0)712007327 2 University of KwaZulu-Natal, Construction Studies Programme, Howard College Campus, Durban 4041, +27(0)312601771, +27(0)745897223 3 University of KwaZulu-Natal, Civil Engineering Programme, Howard College Campus, Durban 4041, +27(0)312603055

ABSTRACT AND KEYWORDS Purpose of this paper This paper investigates and assesses the rating of South African Agrément certified alternative walling systems based upon sustainability indicators, providing meaningful data for construction organisations and personnel. This provides a platform for further research. Design/methodology/approach A sample of active South African Agrément certified alternative residential building systems were assessed using sustainable indicators, considering Social, Economic and Environmental factors, using surveys including documentary analysis and questionnaires, providing an index of systems and assessing the sustainability of each through an assigned rating scale. Findings Findings indicated various factors in the sample group that could be further explored, such as local value creation and environmental pollution. Alternative building systems were categorised based upon materials/construction and sustainability rating is provided. Practical implications Although a multitude of alternative building systems are certified for use, the South African low-cost housing market remains dominated by concrete

Proceedings: 11th Built Environment Conference

6 - 8 August 2017, Durban, South Africa

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block and mortar construction. This paper strengthens the awareness of alternative building technologies and could foster their wider application based upon sustainability targets. What is original/value of paper. The paper contributes to knowledge by providing an assessment of alternative building technologies available in the South African construction industry which are analysed through the lens of sustainability criteria. KEYWORDS Alternative Building Technologies, Sustainable Construction, LowCost Housing.

1.

INTRODUCTION

Considering low cost sustainable housing for the African city of the future, a myriad of building materials, construction techniques and combinations thereof have been proposed over recent years. Housing developers are often constrained by tried and tested materials and traditional construction methods, being cautious of new concepts. De Villiers (2009) states that It is essential to find a balance between achieving reliability and consistency but not hampering innovation and further development of alternative building systems. Furthermore, he states that identified drawbacks to performancebased regulation need to be addressed and a critical assessment conducted of the performance requirements and the system of accountability. The introduction of the Agrément certification of alternative building systems has created a guideline for the acceptability of the performance of each system based upon the benchmark of the ‘standard brick house’ however it has not provided a meaningful reference for the merits of each system in terms of sustainability. The present paper endeavours to initiate a path of research which may ultimately guide policy makers, designers and constructors in the direction of long term sustainable construction solutions for low cost homes in South Africa. The paper aims to analyse the suitability of alternative building systems, active in terms of the Agrément Certification (Agrément) for low cost housing in terms of sustainability, in the context of South Africa and its sub regions. An ‘Indicator-based sustainability assessment tool’ was developed to analyse available systems through a questionnaire based survey. This paper presents the preliminary findings of the analysis, which is oriented to provide a platform for further research and development of the South African construction industry and local built environment towards a sustainability culture. The following section provides a review of the literature about the concept of sustainable construction, and relevant building systems.



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Then the methodology of the study is explained in detail, followed by the discussion of the preliminary results achieved. Finally, conclusions and recommendations for further development of the research and similar studies are outlined.

2. AFFORDABLE AND SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVE BUILDING SYSTEMS Initial research concluded that the number of alternative building systems worldwide is vast and that the materials and processes used for construction vary greatly dependant on the global region (Wallbaum, 2012). For example, in many eastern countries the use of bamboo has proven to be a very satisfactory building system as it is strong, light and durable and has gained widespread social acceptance, however in other parts of the world there may not be the local bamboo raw material or the required construction skills and the climate may not favour type of structure. The attention to the building sector arises from its energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions which, in developed countries, represent 30 and 40% of the total quantities respectively (UNEP-SBCI, 2009). However, when addressing sustainability, the “green” aspect is often over emphasised at the expense of the social and economic factors (Berardi, 2013). Following an in-depth review of the definition of sustainability in the built environment, Berardi (2013: 76) stated that “the social aspects of a sustainable building are still rarely investigated”. Initial review of work carried out on the sustainability of low cost housing revealed an extensive global study conducted by Wallbaum et al. (2012) where 46 affordable building systems were evaluated in terms of sustainability. The paper concluded that “After screening, assessing, and ranking 46 different construction technologies against 10 sustainability indicators, it is possible to conclude that the most promising technologies are closely connected to local production of materials” (ibid.: 363). Furthermore, the research concluded that there were a diverse range of top ranking building systems and that there is no perfect solution to the sustainable affordable housing problem, but that combining multiple topranking technologies can provide an optimized solution. The topic of sustainability although initially seeming quite simple in terms of being able to continue functioning or in this context to continue to be built became more complex and ambiguous as the subject was researched. The generally accepted concept of sustainable development means that “Sustainable development seeks to meet the needs and aspirations of the present without compromising the ability to meet those of the future” (WCED, 1987: 49). Moving forward, the concept of sustainability now links the three aspects of ecological, economic and social wellbeing (Tessema et al., 2009).



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There are many published papers with more complex and differing concepts. A study from Berardi (2013) concludes that sustainability implies a consistent rate of uncertainty and suggests that it is more a transition path than the label given to a building. He also proposed that a greater importance should be given to both the social and economic context of a building. Another challenge to sustainability that is particularly relevant to housing is the competitiveness of consumption markets. While this results in low prices for consumers, the high amount of competition reduces incentive to develop sustainable products different to the societal norm. Indeed, a key component of sustainability is social acceptability, which means that for an activity or development to be successful in terms of purchases being made, it must ‘keep to specific social relations, customs, structure and value’ (Arman, 2009: 3039). In South Africa, Agrément South Africa evaluates the fitness for purpose of non-standardised construction products, materials and systems against performance-based criteria. Performance criteria and test methods are established in consultation with the relevant experts, as required (Agrément, 2012). Agrément South Africa is mandated and funded by the Department of Public Works (Agrément, 2012) to promote innovative building products, and protect consumers against unacceptable ones. This is done by testing non-standardised products against performance-based criteria to determine their fitness-for-purpose. The aspects that are taken into consideration as far as building materials and systems are concerned are structural strength and stability, behaviour in fire, water penetration, thermal performance, durability and the maintenance required, the likelihood of condensation forming on the inside of the building, acoustic performance and the applicant’s quality system, as specified by Agrément (2012). The building system is assessed on the basis of, as a minimum, being equivalent to a “standard brick house”. To have a building product certified by Agrément can cost up to R300 000 and it can take between 3 months and 3 years to complete the process, from application to issuing of the final certificate (de Villiers, 2009). If the building system is found to be acceptable, a certificate is issued. The certificate is kept “Active” by payment of subscription fee. The current scenario of expensive and strict performance regulation does not appear to be conducive to the innovation of holistic sustainable housing solutions.

3.

METHODOLOGY

The methodology is primarily based on a quantitative approach and focused on the following steps:  South African Agrément certified building and walling systems were investigated;



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







 

Suitable systems for low cost housing were selected and further filtered considering only active systems: The inactive certificates are not analysed in this paper. Preliminary findings therefore refer to the sufficient and useful data from the active certificated building systems. The analysis of the active certificates provides a representative sample of the original sample group. Therefore, the focus for the preliminary findings provides insight and data for the sustainability of alternative building systems for low cost housing in the South African context. Through the sampling process mentioned above, the initial sample of 103 building systems was then reduced to 41. A sustainability assessment tool was developed on the basis of performance indicators defined through the analysis of relevant literature on the topic, with reference to the three pillars of sustainability (economic, social and environmental impact), and to the South African specific scenario (see Table 3.1). A questionnaire was created with specific questions (mainly multiple choice) oriented to evaluate the above-mentioned indicators through performance-based values (quantitative) or qualitative ranking. A rating scale from 0 (N/A) to 5 (best performance) was applied to each of the indicators following the options given from worst performance to best performance. The sample of 41 (as per the previously described sampling process) was targeted in this stage of the research. The questionnaire was sent to the 41 certificate holders, and this paper presents the preliminary findings based on the response rate of 41% (17 completed questionnaires returned). The data and info collected was analysed following the rating scale to provide an understanding of the performance of the system against the listed sustainability criteria. Ethical aspects were strictly followed and informed consent forms were provided to participants. The participation was clarified to be voluntary, confidentiality and anonymity were carefully maintained. All results are disclosed without mention of the companies or name of the product, but just the type of building system. Table 3.1 Sustainability indicators

Sustainability Indicator Cost / m² Infrastructure Cost / m² External walls Skill Level Erection time Economy of scale Module / Flexibility Durability Maintenance Cost


Ref Doc Q Q Q Q Q Q Q

New Indicator Q -

Economic

Social

X X X X X X

X X X X


Environmental X X

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Demolition Recycling Local value Service interface Use of Recycled Materials Environmental Pollution Social Acceptance Geographic Locations Multi Story Number of buildings erected Embodied Energy CR value (thermal mass. thermal insulation) Acoustic Insulation

Q Q Q -

Q N/A Q Q Q Q N/A

X X X -

X X X X X -

X X X X X X X

-

N/A

-

X

X

-

Q

-

X

X

Q – Data based on survey questionnaire N/A – Data not available in the preliminary study (on-going research)

4.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

4.1 Barriers encountered in the process of collecting information.

Fragmentation of data availability was evident mainly due to: incomplete returns; requirement to re-adjust the questionnaire deadline; need for collecting missing data by phone; unwillingness to share data and content, which might also suggest the absence of data to share; over willingness in providing full and clear data. Therefore, in analysing the difficulties and challenges of gaining data (the lack of tested sustainability based performance aspects, the reluctance to disclose information and non-willingness to participate), it can be suggested and deducted that this kind of research into this field and topic is new to the sample group. The deduction of this outcome suggests the validity and contribution to knowledge of this topic and research in this field.

4.2 Sample Group The sample group of 41 candidate Agrément certified building systems considered for this study, based on the receipt of the survey questionnaire, as previously described in the methodology, provided a data source of 17 systems. Table 4.1 provides a general description of the building systems analysed in this preliminary study and lists them in 12 general building system categories.



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Table 4.1 Sample Group No

Building System Category

Quantity

1

Cement soil stabilised blocks (CSSB)

2

2

Steel frame (SF) clad with fibre panels / boards

2

3

Cast concrete (CC)

3

4

Cellular lightweight concrete (CLC)

1

5

Expanded polystyrene (XPS) with cladding

1

6

Reinforced concrete panels (RFC)

1

7

Hollow expanded polystyrene (XPS) with concrete infill

1

8

Hollow Polyvinylchloride (PVC) filled with concrete

1

9

Factory produced timber panels

1

10

Hollow concrete blocks of concrete/expanded polystyrene (XPS) beads

1

11

Cellular lightweight concrete (CLC) with fibre cement (FC) board

1

12

Reinforced concrete (RFC) panel with expanded polystyrene/concrete core (or lightweight concrete core)

2

4.3 Results from Survey The findings for the preliminary study, from screening the assessed 17 building systems utilising 17 sustainability indicators is summarised in Fig 4.1 and are placed in order from left to right with worst to best score. It should be noted that the three sustainability indicators that are not included in this preliminary study (shown as N/A in Table 3.1) are largely related to environmental sustainability and should be considered when assessing the current results. The overall results, including all assessed sustainability indicators show a sector with score of above 4 out of 5 including both cement stabilised soil block systems evaluated and a range of new generation cement based systems such as cellular lightweight concrete (CLC) in the form of prefabricated panels or cast in situ and one of the three cast concrete methods with novel casting method (fig. 4.1).



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Fig 4.1 Total sustainability assessment

The systems included in the top sector of the environmental assessment changed little from the overall assessment although the scores for the top sector are higher (fig. 4.2). The variation between the lowest and highest score is more significant than the total score graph, this is interesting as there is an absence of the three environmentally strong indicators which are not included in this preliminary study.

Fig 4.2 Environmental sustainability assessment

The result for the social sustainability assessment (fig. 4.3) shows a relatively flat graph with uniform results compared with the environmental assessment. This may have some influence from the building systems



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being Agrément certified with uniform minimum standards bench marked against a standard brick house.

Fig 4.3 Social sustainability assessment

In the economic sustainability assessment (fig. 4.4), four systems stand out from the remainder with high scores indicating that they are more economically sustainable or ‘cost-effective’ during their lifespan. The remaining systems are relatively similar, possibly as they are all very competitive in the low-cost housing market and are required to meet the minimum Agrément performance requirements.

Fig 4.4 Economic sustainability assessment



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4.4 General Discussion It became apparent in the early stage of this research that finding information on sustainability for the wide range of low cost housing building systems in South Africa was going to be a major challenge, as the emphasis has been on producing housing at low cost and meeting the minimum specified building requirements with little emphasis on sustainability and in the case of material properties, little information on their properties in terms of sustainability. It should be emphasised that the results of this preliminary survey are based upon data received from a questionnaire and qualitative responses are at the discretion of the building certificate holder who may, or may not be over-optimistic about his own products performance. In some cases, questions were not answered, either because the information was not available or lack of knowledge, time/interest to find the required information, resulting in a zero score for that specific sustainability indicator. It was clearly manifested by one respondent that the South African building regulations and specifically the Agrément certification has created a barrier for materials and systems by putting excessive emphasis on strength and “so-called” water proof-ness of a material (i.e. cement based products) at the expense of sustainability, health, resource efficiency and a more holistic understanding of how buildings perform as a whole system and not as individual components. The respondent further provided his opinion that the incredibly restrictive regulatory building framework continues to push our building trade away from sustainability and down our heavily carbon based fuel economy, despite the urgency of climate change and conversely natural buildings potential to lead us on a different trajectory.

5. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS The limited available data on sustainable building systems for low cost housing is a clear indication of the lack of emphasis on the topic and suggests the validity and contribution to knowledge of this topic and research in this field. Furthermore, the current scenario of having a high level of performance regulated priorities for alternative building systems should perhaps be modified, whereby the health and thermal comfort of a material, its embodied energy, environmental impacts, acoustic properties, biodegradability and the overall system performance is considered with a view to a full life cycle analysis and not just physical performance. Current Agrement certification requires the building system to meet minimum requirements without requiring to state the actual performance; it just “passes” a minimum performance. This can be confusing and



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misleading and does not stimulate competition between construction products in the market. Manufacturers or start-up companies are not stimulated to improve the quality and to offer a product with better performance then what is available, but limit themselves to just exceed minimum requirements to be awarded the certificate. This limits the possibility of reaching an open competition in the market, based on encouraging manufacturers towards better-quality products and allowing customers to compare easily the quality of different products. This might constitute a factor which can hinder the introduction, advancement and large-scale implementation of sustainable building technologies in the South African context. On the basis of the preliminary findings, cement stabilised soil block system and cellular lightweight concrete provide the highest rating in terms of the sustainability criteria utilised by the study. This broad preliminary research provides a platform for further research into workable and meaningful sustainable building systems for low cost housing, whilst providing momentum for the drive towards more flexible building regulations. Potential routes for further research may include the selection and focus on a small group of favourable alternative building systems, conducting an in-depth sustainability assessment, or focusing on the potential benefits of a more holistic regulation and product certification system which focuses on a clear performance-based approach and the declaration of the achieved performance, instead of just on the achievement of minimum benchmark.

6. REFERENCES Agrément., 2012, The certification process, Agrément South Africa [Online]. Available at: www.agrement.co.za (Date of access: 29 April 2017) Berardi, U., 2013, Clarifying the new interpretations of the concept of sustainable building. Sustainable Cities and Society, 8: 72–78. de Villiers, W. I., 2009, Building capacity for sustainable delivery, Proceedings of the Southern African housing foundation International conference, exhibition and housing awards, Cape Town. Arman, M., Zuo, J., Wilson, L., Zillante, G. and Pullen, S., 2009, Challenges of responding to sustainability with implications for affordable housing, Ecological Economics, 68: 3034–3041. Tessema, F., Taipale, K., and Bethge, J., 2009, Sustainable Building and Construction in Africa, United Nations Environment Programme., 2009, Sustainable Buildings and Climate Initiative, Annual Report 2009-2010. Wallbaum, H., Ostermeyer,Y., Salzer, C. and Zea Escamilla, E., 2012, Indicator based sustainability assessment tool for affordable housing construction technologies, Ecological Indicators, 18, 353-364. World Commission on the Environment and Development., 1987, Our Common Future, New York> Oxford University Press,.



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