Challenges in Implementing Innovative Building Technologies

This paper, titled "Challenges in Implementing Innovative Building Technologies: Housing Case Studies in South Africa," addresses South Africa's efforts to address housing shortages, particularly for the disadvantaged, while also incorporating energy-efficient housing standards. As the benefits of energy efficiency become increasingly apparent, including pollution reduction and mitigating the ongoing electricity crisis, the challenge lies in striking a balance between eradicating informal settlements and integrating energy-efficient measures, considering the rising costs of construction materials.

Although the South African regulatory environment supports the adoption of Innovative Building Technologies (IBTs) for rapid housing and infrastructure delivery, the uptake of IBTs has been slow. This paper presents findings from case studies where IBTs have been applied in housing projects, analysing the challenges encountered and providing recommendations.

A primary challenge identified in IBT implementation is construction cost. The paper conducts cost analyses, revealing that IBTs can be cost-competitive with conventional construction methods. However, the cost reduction for single-storey units is not substantial. The paper suggests conducting more comprehensive life cycle cost assessments with additional data.

Abstract based directly on source.