Barriers to the implementation of sustainable structural materials in green buildings

The purpose of this research was to discover what limits the ability of building design and construction professionals to use environmentally responsible materials in the structural systems of buildings. The researchers interviewed building design professionals in Oregon with experience incorporating structural materials that are more environmentally responsible than the materials used in conventional practice. This research identifies gaps in information as well as gaps in access to or availability of sustainable materials for structural use that will help material producers better understand the needs of designers who are responsible for green material selection as well as identify future research opportunities related to the development and evaluation of green structural materials. The survey process was divided into two phases. Phase I was a series of eight exploratory interviews with individuals who assisted in refining questions and identifying potential participants in the focus group discussions of Phase II. In Phase II, expert opinion about barriers to implementing sustainable structural materials was collected through interviews conducted in four focus groups. Twenty-two professionals in architecture, engineering, construction and development participated in the interviews conducted in Phase II. Similar survey questions were used to conduct the semi-structured interviews in both phases. This paper outlines the existing barriers, the role of rating systems such as LEED, and strategies for the increased use of sustainable structural materials and systems. The interviews highlight the need for more concise and credible environmental and economic information, integrated design teams, and analysis tools for comparing alternatives.