Selecting globally sustainable materials: A case study using choosing by advantages

Design teams must make numerous decisions in building design, including choosing materials. Lately, they have become more concerned about the social and environmental effects of their choices, in addition to the economic constraints. These concerns, in addition to the increasing offerings of construction materials and products and the engagement of more stakeholders, make decisions more complex. As decision complexity increases, so does the need to systematically use sound decision-making methods. However, in practice many decisions are made without a formal method or discussion, thereby often generating conflict and waste in the design process. Further, even if practitioners are looking for better decision-making methods, the literature does not provide enough support for them to choose the best method for this context. This research fills the literature gap and provides a systematic approach as well as practical advice for decision makers by demonstrating the application of a method, called choosing by advantages (CBA). CBA creates transparent and collaborative environments in which to make decisions. To illustrate the use of CBA, this paper provides a detailed example of choosing materials, in this case ceiling tiles, in a commercial interior design project considering global supply chain issues. This paper contributes to the body of knowledge by illustrating how to use CBA for (1) integrating multiple perspectives, (2) identifying relevant sustainability factors, (3) making transparent trade-offs, (4) documenting a decision rationale, (5) separating value from cost, (6) organizing location-dependent factors, and (7) incorporating supply chain issues. CBA is a method worth adding to the toolbox of design teams determined to chose globally sustainable materials.