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Environmental management system vs green specifications: how do they complement each other in the construction
Patrick T I Lam1, Edwin H W Chan, C K Chau
1Department of Building & Real Estate, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong. bsplam@polyu.edu.hk
Journal of Environmental Management
|November 9, 2010
Summary
Green specifications enhance sustainable construction beyond Environmental Management Systems (EMS). A survey revealed a framework for developing these specifications is valuable, regardless of prior EMS implementation.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Construction Management
- Sustainable Development
Background:
- Environmental Management Systems (EMS) have been utilized in sustainable construction for two decades.
- Existing EMS may not adequately address all sustainable development issues.
- There is a need to integrate green specifications into contract management to improve construction's environmental performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define green specifications and explore reasons for their adoption.
- To identify environmental issues not fully covered by EMS alone.
- To present survey findings on practitioners' views and the impact of green specifications.
Main Methods:
- Literature review to define green specifications and their rationale.
- Survey of construction industry practitioners regarding green specifications.
- Analysis of survey data to understand perceptions and impacts.
Main Results:
- Green specifications are crucial for advancing sustainable construction performance.
- A framework for developing green specifications is beneficial for sustainable cities.
- Stakeholder acceptance of changes from green specifications is independent of EMS adoption.
Conclusions:
- Green specifications offer a complementary approach to EMS for enhanced sustainability in construction.
- Developing a framework for green specifications is a key step for cities aiming for sustainability.
- Industry stakeholder perceptions of green specifications are not influenced by their organization's EMS status.
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