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A Multi-Criteria Approach to Sustainable Building Material Selection: A Case Study in a Japanese Context

Author

Listed:
  • Atsushi Takano

    (Department of Architecture and Architectural Engineering, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 8900065, Japan)

  • Masashi Aiki

    (Building Construction Management Division, Kajima Corporation, Tokyo 1078348, Japan)

Abstract

With the aim of reducing the environmental impact of buildings, the appropriate selection of building materials is essential, as a building is a complex system composed of various materials. With this background, a multi-criteria decision-making approach has recently gained traction. This study demonstrated the effect of building material selection on both environmental and economic parameters of a building in the context of Japan. A comparative analysis of five structural frame options was conducted utilizing a reference building model to assess the implication of material choices. The findings indicated that wooden frame options are advantageous in environmental aspects compared to non-wooden frames, provided that sustainable forestry practices and appropriate recycling scenarios are implemented. Conversely, it was found that a Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) frame is the most expensive option. This suggests that a hybrid approach, which combines various frame materials, could yield a more effective solution in terms of both environmental and economic sustainability. In addition, it was highlighted that building envelopes, such as foundation, exterior wall, and roof, should be prioritized to enhance the sustainability of a building from a material perspective. Furthermore, gypsum board, commonly used for sheathing building elements, should be selected with careful consideration of its environmental impact.

Suggested Citation

  • Atsushi Takano & Masashi Aiki, 2025. "A Multi-Criteria Approach to Sustainable Building Material Selection: A Case Study in a Japanese Context," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(9), pages 1-20, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:9:p:4210-:d:1650459
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Augustine Blay-Armah & Golnaz Mohebbi & Ali Bahadori-Jahromi & Charlie Fu & Joseph Amoako-Attah & Mark Barthorpe, 2023. "Evaluation of Embodied Carbon Emissions in UK Supermarket Constructions: A Study on Steel, Brick, and Timber Frameworks with Consideration of End-of-Life Processes," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(20), pages 1-20, October.
    2. Jonathan Kerr & Scott Rayburg & Melissa Neave & John Rodwell, 2022. "Comparative Analysis of the Global Warming Potential (GWP) of Structural Stone, Concrete and Steel Construction Materials," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(15), pages 1-15, July.
    3. Andreas Geß & Manuel Lorenz & Anna Tolsdorf & Stefan Albrecht, 2021. "Environmental Impacts of Renewable Insulation Materials," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(15), pages 1-13, July.
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