INDICATOR RATING METHODOLOGY FOR RAPID SUSTAINABILITY ASSESSMENT METHOD (RSAM) FOR EXISTING RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS USING OPINIONS OF RESIDENTS

Abstract

The presented method provides the details for how each indicator in “RSAM: A Rapid Sustainability Assessment Method” is scored using a residents’ opinions-based sustainability assessment procedure that is specifically designed for the assessment of existing residential buildings. Existing methods in the literature mostly suggest indicator scores in construction sustainability assessments using highly technical data and require a high level of engineering and management expertise. This makes them elaborate but labor-, time-, and cost-intensive; and thus, their use is more frequently favored in new projects. The presented method redefines a set of conventional environmental, social-functional, and economic indicators in a context which combines data from residents’ opinions (e.g. perceived quality of indoor temperature comfort level) and easy-to-obtain information (e.g. annual utility bills). All indicator ratings are represented within a 10-point scale, and their weights on the overall model are identified by stakeholders. RSAM provides a rapid and low-cost assessment for existing buildings which normally may not go through a conventional sustainability assessment due to resource limitations.