A Framework for Integrating Sustainable Design Principles in Building Renovation Models

Thesis Abstract

The increasing demand for sustainable development within the built environment has underscored the necessity for integrating sustainable design principles into building renovation practices to enhance environmental, economic, and social performance. Despite the recognized importance of sustainability in renovation projects, existing models often lack a systematic or comprehensive framework for effectively incorporating such principles, leading to suboptimal outcomes and fragmented decision-making processes. This study aims to develop a robust and practical framework that facilitates the integration of sustainable design principles into building renovation models, thereby advancing sustainable renovation practices. The specific objectives include identifying key sustainable design principles relevant to building renovation, analyzing current renovation models for their capacity to incorporate sustainability, and constructing a conceptual framework grounded in relevant theories, such as the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) theory, to guide stakeholders in sustainable renovation decision-making. The research employs a mixed-methods approach within a descriptive and exploratory research design. The quantitative component involves a survey of 150 building professionals, including architects, engineers, and project managers across metropolitan areas with active renovation markets, selected through stratified random sampling to ensure diversity and representativeness. Data collection uses a structured questionnaire developed from existing literature on sustainable design principles and renovation practices, with validity confirmed through expert review and pilot testing. Qualitative data are gathered through semi-structured interviews with 20 key stakeholders involved in renovation projects, aimed at exploring decision-making processes and challenges in integrating sustainability. Data analysis comprises descriptive statistics, frequency distributions, and inferential techniques such as multiple regression analysis to identify factors influencing sustainable renovation practices. Thematic analysis is employed to interpret qualitative interview data, revealing underlying themes, perceptions, and barriers related to sustainability integration. Expected findings suggest that current renovation models inadequately prioritize or systematically incorporate sustainability principles, often due to lack of guidelines, awareness, or technical expertise. The study anticipates identifying critical sustainability criteria—such as energy efficiency, water conservation, materials selection, and indoor environmental quality—that are variably incorporated into existing models. The regression analysis is expected to highlight key determinants influencing sustainable design adoption, including stakeholder awareness, regulatory frameworks, and economic incentives. The qualitative analysis is likely to uncover perceived barriers, including high upfront costs, limited technical knowledge, and institutional resistance, alongside enablers such as policy support and professional training. The study’s significant contribution lies in the development of a comprehensive, practitioner-oriented framework that synthesizes sustainability principles with existing renovation models, integrating behavioral, technical, and economic perspectives. This framework offers a structured approach for practitioners and policymakers to embed sustainability systematically into renovation decision-making processes, ultimately fostering environmentally responsible and cost-effective renovation outcomes. Concluding, the research advocates for adopting this framework within industry practice and policy formulation to improve the sustainability performance of building renovations. Recommendations include incorporating the framework into professional training programs, integrating it into building codes and standards, and fostering stakeholder collaboration across phases of renovation projects. Future research directions involve empirical validation of the framework through case studies and longitudinal studies to assess its impact over time. By bridging the gap between theory and practice, this study aims to advance sustainable building renovation practices and contribute substantially to environmental stewardship and sustainable urban development.