An evaluation of the effectiveness of the green building evaluation and labelling system in Taiwan

Environmental protection is becoming an important element in the construction industry. The Taiwan Architecture and Building Research Institute (ABRI) developed a Green Building Evaluation and Labelling System (GBELS) to transform its built environment industry. Nine indicators in the GBELS are used for assessment including: i) biodiversity; ii) greenery; iii) soil water content; iv) daily energy saving; v) carbon dioxide emission reduction; vi) waste reduction; vii) indoor environment; viii) water resource; and ix) sewage and garbage improvement. The GBELS mostly focuses on the social-environmental benefits and neglects the demand of clients, designers and constructors. This paper evaluates the effectiveness of the GBELS by comparing it with other assessment tools. Questionnaires and structured interviews are conducted. From the survey results, the existing nine indicators for the GBELS are insufficient to provide guidelines for the Taiwanese construction industry, which should also include other indicators on: i) management; ii) aesthetic; iii) economic; iv) innovative design; and v) traffic and transport. Recommendations to improve the GBELS are also given.