Zeng, Q and Pishdad-Bozorgi, P (2025) The evolution of sustainable building rating tools: A systematic literature review. Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, 14(4), pp. 1230-1263. ISSN 2046-6099
Abstract
This research aims to analyze the evolution of sustainable building rating tools in the United States of America over approximately 30 years. It analyzes the shift from addressing purely environmental concerns to embracing a holistic approach that includes economic and social considerations. By conducting a comprehensive literature review and analysis, this research systematically examines the differences among sustainable building rating tools (SBRTs). It establishes a decision-making support framework for stakeholders based on existing literature, standards and emerging trends. Expected findings include insights into the evolution and distinctions among SBRTs. The research is expected to reveal the progression of SBRTs from purely focusing on environmental dimensions to exploring a broader scope that includes economic and social dimensions. The decision-making support framework and forward-looking perspective aim to guide stakeholders in tool selection and offer insights for future developments. The focus of this research primarily centers on SBRTs, which originated in the United States of America, thereby excluding famous global tools such as BREEAM and CASBEE. Therefore, the research outcomes are particularly appropriate to the context of the United States of America. In addition, specific indicators within the general indicators system are not entirely independent of each other, leading to interrelationships between different indicators during the evaluation process. Moreover, in terms of data availability, the early versions of various SBRTs suffered from information gaps, potentially introducing ambiguity in the description of specific indicators, which could influence the weighting results. This research contributes original perspectives by offering a nuanced understanding of the dynamic nature of sustainable building practices. The decision-making support framework adds practical value, assisting stakeholders in selecting diverse certification options. It also contributes to the original body of knowledge by providing insights for future developments in sustainable building practices and certifications.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | decision-making framework; evolution; future trends; literature review; rating tools; sustainable building |
| Index terms: | environmental concern, body of knowledge, certification, evolution, sustainable building practice, BREEAM accreditation, sustainable building, decision-making, United States of America, systematic literature review, dimension, holistic approach, option, literature review |
| Subjects: | data analysis and analytics, sustainability and energy, administrative processes, business, knowledge management, environmental issues, decision analysis, environmental science, Geography, health monitoring assessment and metrics, environmental policy, sustainable construction, research evaluation and metrics |
| Topics: | Information Management, Risk Management, Sustainability, Contract Administration, Geographical Context, Business Strategy, Health and Safety, Research Practice |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCEA |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here