Use and performance of conventional and sustainable building technologies in low-income housing

Few studies have investigated the use and performance of conventional and sustainable building technologies of use in low-income housing construction. Hence, this study investigates the use and performance of the conventional and sustainable building technologies used in low-income housing construction towards proposing the most sustainable technological solution for low-income housing development in South Africa. Using a case study research approach, the study developed a rating tool for use in assessing the sustainability performance of the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) low-income houses within the nine provinces of South Africa with measures drawn from the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA) technical manual. Findings of this study show that the most commonly used method of construction for low-income housing in South Africa are concrete floor slab, brick and mortar for the external envelope and a combination of timber structures fitted with Inverted Box Rib (IBR) sheeting for the roof system. The results also show that conventional building components had a much lower sustainability level due to the high use of concrete and that innovative building components have a lower environmental impact due to the low carbon dioxide emission associated with the manufacturing process. The study concludes with regards to the socio-economic and environmental dimensions of sustainability that buildings constructed using sustainable technologies are more sustainable than those produced using conventional methods. The study recommends that public sector clients involved in the provision of low-income housing should encourage the use of sustainable construction technologies. Further, the research also suggests that the GBCSA should develop measures which specifically targets low-income housing development to allow for the determination of both the socio-economic viability and environmental impact of the RDP houses produced in South Africa.

Automated summary

This study examined the use and performance of conventional and sustainable building technologies in low-income housing construction in South Africa. It found that conventional building components have lower sustainability levels due to high concrete use, while innovative building components have lower environmental impacts. The study recommends that public sector clients encourage the use of sustainable construction technologies for low-income housing development.