Influencing Factors of Cost Control and Environmental Sustainability in Saudi Arabia for Low-Rise Building Construction

Several elements contribute to the environmental effect of building construction, and many stakeholders share responsibility for these issues. Architects and engineers have a considerable interest in the design of the materials and building methods because they are vital in the creation of a design. The environmental effect of various building construction materials should be evaluated to select environmentally friendly building materials. The environmental effect of life cycle of a material comprises not only the energy used in its production but also emissions released into the environment at each stage of production. Embodied energy is one way of measuring construction and recycling environmental impact and the effectiveness of CO₂ emissions. The use of indigenous and local construction materials together with energy-saving and environmentally friendly alternatives, including different forms, construction, and management techniques, reduces needless spending by cutting down on construction expenses. This study focuses on developing a comprehensive and integrated approach to environmental sustainability and cost control in low-rise building construction in Saudi Arabia and some other Arab countries by using alternative construction and management techniques and environmentally friendly and energy-efficient innovative materials. Multiple design alternatives, which utilize appropriate cost effective building materials, consider the physical environment, utilize methods of industrialization, and incorporate cost effective construction techniques, are discussed.