SECTION 02

CONCRETE USAGE INDEX

14 SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION A Guide on Concrete Usage Index

CONCRETE USAGE INDEX

An Introduction
Concrete Usage Index (CUI) is an indicator of the amount of concrete required to construct a superstructure which includes structural and non-structural elements. CUI is dened as volume of concrete in cubic metres to cast a square metre of constructed oor area. Calculation of CUI does not include concrete used for external works and sub-structural works such as basements and foundations.

It is expressed as:

Concrete Usage = Index

Concrete Volume in m3 Constructed Floor Area in m2

INTRODUCTION TO BCAS GREEN MARK (GM) SCHEME

BCA Green Mark (GM)is a green building rating system to evaluate a building for its environmental impact and performance. It provides a framework for assessing the overall environmental performance of new and existing buildings to promote sustainable design, construction and operations practices in buildings1. The assessment process involves a pre-assessment brieng to the project team for a better understanding and evaluation of BCA GM requirements and the certication level sought. Actual assessment is then carried out to verify the relevant reports, documentary evidences and that the building project meets the intents of the criteria and certication level. The assessment identies the specic energy efcient and environment-friendly features and practices incorporated in the projects. Points are awarded for incorporating environment-friendly features which are better than normal practice. The total number of points obtained provides an indication of the environmental friendliness of the building design and operation. Depending on the overall assessment and point scoring, the building is certied to have met the BCA GM Platinum, GoldPlus, Gold or Certied rating. The Green Mark Scheme, category Part 3 Environmental Protection focuses on design, practice and selection of materials and resources that would reduce the environmental impact of built structures. Under this category, through part 3.1 Sustainable Construction, recycling and the adoption of building designs, construction practices and materials that are environmentally friendly and sustainable are encouraged. There is also a pre-requisite requirement to achieve 3 points for GoldPlus projects and 5 points for Platinum projects. Under this sub-category, points can be achieved through use of sustainable and recycled materials or by optimal use of concrete for building components.